Fawcett Park (aka Pelican Park) is in the main section of town, along the river on Fawcett Street (which runs parallel with River Street) with access from Cherry Street also. It is across the road from Cafe Twenty9, Baskin & Robins and the CookieMan.
Fawcett Park, is only partly fenced (along the riverside) and has tables, barbecues, seating and lots of grass. The playground is designed as a castle, with two slides a drawbridge, “stage” and a jail (or “shop” in some play experiences) and a crocodile (which recently lost its tail).
This is one of my favourite playgrounds for toddlers. The steps are great for climbing, wide enough for a crawling baby to rest of each step, or sit to look around. It has a small slide for them to happily climb up to and navigate themselves too, and other little obstacles for them to navigate without it being “too challenging”. As toddlers grow, they can climb up to the bigger slide and play in the high tower of the castle. But one of the favourite things in the playground for both my kids has been the crocodile, which they climb on, scale, sit on and sing “cheeky monkeys” to.
And sometimes the water fountain is more entertaining than the playground.
It can be a lovely place to watch the sun set, look for dolphins, turtles or fish, or watch the boats zoom past. But beware, there is no fence along the riverside walkway, and it can be a scary looking drop!
And after a big play, we can go grab something to eat or drink across the road.
Ballina Mama 