There is more to James Hoskin Reserve than what you first see. Beyond the play equipment and the picnics tables, near Raimonde Road, is a large grassy area sloping down a hill and further along is another little spot to stop for a play.
The main playground at James Hoskin Reserve was upgraded in mid 2019. The old play equipment was all still good in our opinion, it was just the synthetic grass they needed replacing. But the playground got a complete make over.
Main Playground
The playground near Raimonde Road consists of:
- Climbing play gym with double slide, rope climbing wall, rock climbing wall, swinging stepping pads, fire pole and interactive boards
- Two sit on spinners
- See saw
- Set of swings, including toddler seat and birds nest
- Balance beam and stepping pads
Under the play equipment is a softfall rubber ground and there’s a concrete path around the outside. At certain times of the day, there’s some natural shade from the surrounding trees.
Next to the playground are three picnic tables and a dual electric BBQs that are all undercover.
Around the playground are beautiful garden beds, which we understand are loving maintained by a group of local residents. It’s wonderful when the community pulls together in instances like this. Their hard work is paying off as the garden beds are looking great!
And it’s hard to miss the massive mulberry tree next to the playground, which should be good to pick in October/ November.
Exercise Equipment and Open Grassed Area
My boys loved running up and down the hill behind the playground. There is more than enough room to kick a ball or throw a frisbee.
Half way down the hill is some exercise equipment. So you can fit in a mini workout while the kids are running around!
Bike/ Scooter Track and Play Area
If you keep walking, along the edge of the (currently dry) creek bed, you will find a second play spot. It’s about a 200m walk down the hill from the main playground. The creek bed is covered in plants and lush vines, with lots of trees creating shade to make it a pleasant walk. Or you can reach this playground from either Lexington Ave Eastwood or Marook Street Carlingford.
The second play spot has a set of swings (one baby), a bike/scooter track and a picnic table. All surrounded by a large grassy area.
Bushwalk
From the second play area, on the other side of the little bridge, you will find a path along the creek. This takes you around to Fred Spurway Reserve.
From here you can join up with the Terrys Creek walk through Carlingford to Eastwood, going down to David Hamilton Reserve.
Finding James Hoskin Reserve
The James Hoskin Reserve is listed as being at 17 Marook Street, Carlingford. This entrance will take you to the smaller, second playground. The main playground is on Raimonde Road in Eastwood, between Apollo Place and Lexington Avenue. There is street parking at both entrances.
