I know, you probably call this playground the “Granville Island Playground” and you’re right. It’s the iconic Granville Island Water Park and Playground and the official Sutcliffe Park name just doesn’t have the same ring to it. 

Many parents who grew up here most likely have some memory of this waterpark and to now share it with their own children hopefully doesn’t trigger an existential crisis, but rather a humbling circle-of-life sort of feeling.

The playground has a wavy slide and a twisty slide. Stairs, ladder, or a medium climbing wall lead up to the top where one can also find a maze panel and a periscope. Below is a music panel with vertical bars.

The sandbox area is nicely shaded with pine trees. There are some stumps and logs scattered about which nicely inspires more nature play. In warmer months, the water feature can be activated to flow water down the stream and into the sand area as well.

A spinning bucket seat and spinning base always attracts the vertigo-immune kids. Right next to is is a tamer 4 seated spring rider, as well as a rope net pyramid (also called a cone spinner) to ride with multiple friends.

Apart from the saucer swing, there is mysteriously no other swings on the entire Island. Surely, that’s a little strange considering Granville Island is very much a children and family friendly destination. Don’t they know that baby swings are the perfect thing for parents to get a handsfree moment? Help a parent out, amirite?

The main attraction of the Granville Island water park is the big yellow water slide, accessible by climbing the stairs on the steep hill. The main waterpark area undulates with bumps and dips in the concrete. Water features include spray poles, arches, fire hydrants and in ground water sprays. A second smaller splash area has a lone fire hydrant and an arch spray. 

Though tempting, the waterpark during off months cannot be used like a pump track for bikes, scooters, skateboards, etc. Instead, go explore the other two playgrounds on Granville island at Railspur Park and the Kids Market Courtyard.

This cube shaped climbing structure appeared in the Kids Market courtyard on Granville Island after they revamped their courtyard in early 2020. I’m not sure if this qualifies as a playground but it definitely is a public, outdoor play area that warrants a mention. And if you’re one that appreciates landscape architecture, the bright red ropes nicely match the existing red accents of the area, including the red dome at the adjacent Crystal Ark shop.

With only this climbing structure and a few wooden platforms, it’s a quick stop compared to the two other playgrounds, Railspur Park and Sutcliffe Park, found on Granville Island. Hot tip: this climbing cube is the perfect thing to lure kids out of the market if they’re still insistent on buying one more toy, after you’ve already supported all the small businesses in there.

One danger to note is that this courtyard is right next to an open pond. There isn’t much of a barrier preventing a Curious George from becoming an Sponge Bob Square Pants. There’s a ramp that leads down to a small dock and although the ramp itself has a good grip, the deck is plain wood and can be slippery. I have watched my child run down and slip onto their butt and my eyes almost fell out. Mind you, the pond isn’t too deep but it’s not like anyone wants to go jump into a pond full of bird and turtle poop to rescue their offspring. 

People always seem to be surprised by this playground, as if it appeared out of nowhere. And maybe it did, considering Granville Island is a place of magic and wonder. Tucked behind the Opus Art Supply store and across the street from the old Arts Umbrella building, this playground can be found on the east end of the studios along Railspur Alley. This brightly coloured play space has a fun slanted window for little ones to peek out of and a couple of spinners to get as dizzy as one pleases. Right beside it is a free library of artsy books and a garden path with lots of big rocks and dirt for kids to practice their balance, coordination and mudpie making skills.