By Michelle Barry, the Team Leader for Child Health Promotion for Healthy Cities Illawarra
Being heavily pregnant and having a toddler who is in the midst of being toilet trained, the importance of toilets is everything to me right now! There is nothing worse than having to wrangle a child away from the playground and cross a busy road just to use a toilet, something often resulting in lots of tears and moaning from them (and me!)
To avoid that annoyance, here are my suggestions for the 3 best parks with toilets to visit.
This playground is a particular favourite for our family as it's partially fenced, has amazing views of the lake, is shaded naturally, plus there is a nature play area alongside the classic playground equipment. It has two toilets adjacent to the park, although you do have to go outside the fenced area, it’s a 30-metre walk max and is also the start of the walkway along the lake that also brings you down to the ducks that we love to visit! They’ve always been clean, and stocked with toilet paper and soap when I’ve been there.
2. McDonald Park, Albion Park Rail
This park is a favourite for all, with a ninja warrior course, learn to ride and fitness equipment all in one spot, and the toilets adjacent. The toilets are classic style, close to the playground and include a bubbler for refilling your water. This playground is just a four-minute drive to Shellharbour Airport, which has a fully accessible toilet including a hoist for wheelchair users. The airport has confirmed that you are welcome to use these facilities at any time during opening hours.
3. Tilbury Cove, Culburra Beach, Shoalhaven
A beautifully designed playground including shade and BBQ facilities set right by the beautiful Culburra Beach, which backs onto Penguin Head. It’s often sheltered from the wind and is a quieter beach where kids can enjoy water play to cool down after their playground adventures. With clean toilets within close reach, it’s convenient and easy to change out of wet clothes before getting ready for barbecue lunch! It’s the perfect spot for a day out.
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