JONATHAN ROGERS PARK PLAYGROUND

This playground is located on the southeast corner of the park, in between a wading pool, community garden and fieldhouse. On one side, there are two sets of swings and on the other is an odd play structure that looks like a pink turtle shell-like UFO trolley thing that glides along a monorail. 

At first we tried pushing it, to then later be told that we need to hand crank the other end of the pole to get it moving. And move it did, in a rather fitting, turtle-like pace. Probably the perfect speed for a toddler or baby.

My five year old didn’t see the appeal and I was bewildered by the aesthetic of it, but a quick google search of the keywords, “hand crank playground” proved that this trolley is quite enjoyed by others. So much so that this piece of playground equipment, called a “TurnCross”, costs a ridiculous $14,529 USD, down from the original price of $17,458 USD. Which makes me think we won’t be seeing this piece anywhere else in the city.

Certainly, this is only an opinion and perhaps this will be a hidden gem to your child who sees the magic in this ride. 

Jonathan Rogers park is a loungey, chill sort of park, where people go to rest on the grassy slope or picnic in the field, especially during lunch or after work hours. Dogs are seen running around while people enjoy their beverages from the coffee shops and small breweries nearby. The slight elevation here also provides a pretty view of downtown Vancouver. 

Additionally, that slightly elevated, grassy slope is great for sledding on a rare snowy day. It’s medium in size and goes right into the field, with no trees to accidentally crash into. Although just watch out that you don’t slide into the wading pool.