Polonia Reserve is a brilliant spot for active kids, with a huge soccer-ball-themed play structure that makes this Croydon Park playground hard to miss. There’s plenty happening beyond the main climbing structure too, including swings, trampolines, bike and scooter paths, a basketball court, water play and open grass for kicking a ball or burning off some energy. The reserve also has picnic areas, BBQs and toilets, so it’s an easy place to spend a few hours.
Find it at: Essex Crescent, Croydon Park.
Good for: Preschoolers through to primary-aged kids, particularly children who enjoy climbing, active play and having plenty of space to move.
Best for: Climbing, slides, swings, trampolines, riding bikes and scooters, basketball, water play and imaginative play. The large soccer-ball structure is the main attraction and offers different challenges as kids make their way through it.
Toilets: Yes. There are public toilets at the reserve, including baby change facilities.
Shade: Yes, with shade sails over parts of the play area as well as established trees and shaded picnic spots. The large soccer-ball structure is more exposed to the sun, so take care with hot surfaces on warmer days.
Fenced: Partly. Some areas of the reserve have fencing, but the entire play space isn’t enclosed, so younger children will need to be supervised.
Accessible: Yes. The playground includes accessible play equipment, and communication boards are available to support children with diverse communication needs. The reserve also provides accessible pathways and facilities.
Parking: Yes. There is off-street parking accessed from Essex Crescent, as well as additional street parking nearby.
Cafe or food nearby: There isn’t a cafe within the reserve, but there are picnic shelters, BBQ facilities and plenty of grassed areas, making it easy to bring your own lunch or snacks. There are also shops and food options in the surrounding Croydon Park area.
The Polonia Reserve upgrade includes an open kick about lawn, play space and storm water detention area. The huge 7-metre-tall, 12-metre-wide soccer ball playground sculpture, built by local business Iguana Creative, features three levels, two slides, a climbing structure, a lookout platform, tessellated climbing steps, fire poles, an interactive ticket booth, and exterior illumination.
The soccer ball play element is not just a fun addition to this new reserve but also pays homage to the area’s history. Before moving up the road to the newly constructed Regency Reserve, Polonia Reserve was home to Croydon Football Club since 1950, and before that was home to Polonia Soccer Club.
We can’t wait to make this a local hangout and it will be an absolute hit with the locals.
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