The unique tire bridge is the main attraction here at Cartier Park playground. It provides a balancing act for kids as it sways and jiggles with every careful step. Although the tires are suspended by chains, they’re also anchored to the ground, similar to those balance poles found at other playgrounds. My 5 year old is a cautious one, so it was a precarious and slow but triumphant journey across the tire walkway. It was fun just sitting on a tire for a swing and a rest as well.

Similar to other playgrounds that are dedicated to preschools, this one is available after hours and is fully fenced. It’s part of the Hillcrest Community Centre and is located on the same side as the Terry Salman Library entrance. 

The sand area with a pergola is quite large and right next to a small playhouse that’s similar to the one at Rosemary Brown or Khorana Park. On the other side is a play structure with a slide and signature Kompan components like telescope, megaphone, spinning paddle wheel and joystick.

A wide, bench-like seesaw welcomes multiple riders. Take note that one side has a back and large foot rest to provide extra security for younger kids while they ride.

There are other natural aspects to appreciate too, as one side of the playground is a grassy hill for climbing. One can let their child explore the perimeter and walk through some vegetation with no extra worries as the play area is fully fenced. Natural logs and inset stones, as well as a cute little wooden bridge either add to the space or is a tripping hazard, depending on who you ask.

Unique sewer covers with a lattice design surrounded by a stone patterned ground. There’s a shed off to the side that provides a small covered area as well.

Although this playground is fully fenced, there are two gates that people tend to leave open from time to time. Both don’t lead to a high traffic areas, but it’s unfortunate to have to keep an eye on gates that should be kept closed

Although small and unassuming, Grimmett Park is another hot spot for young families in the Mount Pleasant and/or Riley-Little Mountain area. Located just off Main Street, it’s got two play structures made with a combination of wood and plastic. 

The toddler structure is shaped like a house with a simple slide, steering wheel and tic tac toe panel. Next to it is a spring rider duck and dolphin accompanying each other in the sea of pea gravel. The other area has a twisty slide, a rope net, a corner-shaped ladder and a couple different poles to slide down.

A lovely feature is the circular path on the lawn in front of the playground. Many children can be seen scootering or biking around the pseudo-track and picking up speed as their skills quickly improve. It’s not a wide path, but good enough for a couple kids to share while riding at their own pace.

Off to the corner of the park is a fully fenced ball hockey court. Parents use it as an area for kids to run around but it’s usually littered with pea gravel, which makes it very slippery for kids. Akin to a cartoon character that slips and falls on a floor covered in marbles but zero the funny. I’ve witnessed kids, as well as my own child, slip backwards and hit the back of their head on the concrete, spiked with gravel. Please be warned!

A newer addition that appeared in late 2020 is the matching plastic boat, seen planted firmly in the middle of the playground. Was it installed by the City or was it an abandoned toy that someone with keen eyes realized would match perfectly with the existing playground colours? Seeing the “Little Tikes” label at the back makes the latter more plausible, but let’s believe it was a daring feat, full of turmoil and heartache, fulfilling that ancient prophecy about destiny and stuff.