Blenheim Park is a popular, large regional park – one of five in the City of Ryde. And great for family get-togethers, particularly with kids of mixed ages. The Park has four main play areas, plus picnic facilities, fenced dog off leash area, remote control car race track and on-site parking. And all in a nice bush setting. It’s just missing a cafe or coffee cart, plus a bit more shade!
In an area with a large amount of residential development, it is fantastic to see that the NSW government approved the rezoning of neighbouring homes for more open space in December 2017. This was after years of fighting to protect and expand Blenheim Park by Ryde Council and local residents.
Playground
The play equipment is spread around in a semi-circle, with three main areas, plus there is a bike track. While it is great to have so much open space and different play spaces, it can make it challenging. More so if you have two or more little ones who want to play in different spots, as there isn’t good line of sight between areas – thanks to the lovely trees.
Keep in mind that the play equipment is getting old and weathered, seeing that most of it is over 10 years old. And could do with some TLC in places.
Sand Pit Area
When you enter Blenheim Park from the carpark, to the left you will see the sand pit and dry creek bed, complete with crocodiles and a rocking sit-in boat. There are also stepping stones and balancing play equipment – to escape being eaten by the crocodiles!
This play area has the best shade with a shade sail over the sand pit and a fair amount of natural shade over the other parts.
Climbing Play Gym Area
In the back left corner, there is a climbing play gym suitable for preschoolers. It has a cubby house at the top, slide and vertical rope wall.
There are also some rockers, a mini swing and a see-saw, plus shaded seating.
Unfortunately the ground is bark and there isn’t shade over the play equipment.
Main Play Area
The main play space is straight ahead from the carpark, on the other side of the picnic shelters. It has a few sections, over two levels. There is a flying fox, pentagon swing set, spinners, in-ground slides, climbing mound and more swings.
There is natural shade over some of the play equipment and a shade sail over seats in the middle.
Bike/ Scooter Track
In between the sand pit and cubby house play areas, is a loop bike track with bridges to ride on, poles to ride around and trays to ride up. My boys have fun riding along it with their scooter, though the ramps aren’t wide enough for them to ride on.
There are other paths through the park that are also good to ride on, between the different play areas and facilities.
Picnic Facilities
Blenheim Park has two large picnic shelters, with lovely thick wooden tables and benches underneath each.
There is a dual electric BBQ in the middle, taps and bubblers nearby, plus toilets to the side.
And it is nice to see garage bins near the play equipment, rather then at the carpark away from the picnic area.
Other Facilities
We love a multi-use park and this one does it well, with a remote control car race track and fenced dog off leash area.
My kids like sitting in the sand pit and watching the dogs playing on the other side of the fence.
Finding Blenheim Park
Blenheim Park sits on the corner of Epping and Pittwater Roads, tucked behind trees. Access is at the end of Blenheim Road, where you will find about 40 on-site car spots.
You can also get there by bus along Epping Road. Or by train to North Ryde station and it is then just a 600m walk to the playground.
Places of Interest Nearby
- North Ryde train station
- Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium
- Lane Cove National Park
- North Ryde RSL
- North Ryde shops
- Macquarie Centre
