This playground can be found on the eastside of the park by Willow St. It’s slightly hidden as it’s encompassed by a circle of trees and brush. The play structure here comes with multiple climbing options, such as blocky steps (similar to the ones seen at Coal Harbour Park playground), stone steps, climbing wall and two different ladders. Extra features include a maze panel, rubber mat bridge and a small metal slide.

An additional feature is a metal grid tunnel that can double as a cage when your children displease you. Just have them crawl in and block off both sides. This exact same tunnel can also be found at Carolina Park playground.

Exploring Oak Meadows Park:

Oak Meadows is a popular spot for some forest preschools, as the area has manageable wooded sections that invite many forms nature play. Right beside the playground is a wooded swampy area that becomes a pond-like puddle after a nice bit of rain. Directly adjacent to this playground is a large sports field that’s popular in the evening for soccer games or picnic hangs.

Walk along the paths to find a delightful Insect Hotel made from an old telephone booth and some artwork near the entrance on 37th Ave. It was surrounded by wildflowers in the summertime but unfortunately the Insect Hotel, which was part of the Nectar Trail initiative in 2013, doesn’t seems to be maintained anymore. 

Oak Meadows Park’s Off-Leash Dog Park:

The very west portion of the park is an off-leash dog park that includes a grassy, sparsely wooded area with tall evergreens and many stumps. There’s even a stump that’s been carved into an elevated chair or throne, perfect for anyone having a superiority complex that day. Often times there are no dogs around, which makes this section an interesting place to explore but keep an eye out for dog poop and some thorny plants. This particular section is left unkempt with natural growth, hence the park being called a meadow.

Lastly, there are several plastic patio chairs underneath some trees that migrate around the perimeter and dog park area. They’ve been left by locals for others to enjoy, like the young people who gather in the evenings. I’ve also seen a picnic table migrate around the park but I’m unsure if it’s a city owned one or another local contribution.

The “To” in Lilian To Park refers to a surname and not a preposition, making it a rarity to find a park named after local woman in this city. Unless one rides a bicycle down Yukon St, this playground can be easily missed. The main focal point of this spot is the massive saucer swing. Notice this swing is unlike most saucer or disc swings, in that it hangs from one anchor point enabling it to spin while swaying. It’s an adventure of centrifugal force if one is daring enough to hold on tight. Along with a few more climbing and balancing features, there’s also a small ditch with rocks and a log to explore while bicycles whiz by behind it.

One could call this a starter park for any first time parent that hasn’t stepped foot on a playground since their elementary school days. It’s unintimidating and it barely even passes as a playground. Sandwiched between the tennis courts and the field, there are two baby swings, a bench and two spring riders. Pop that baby into the baby swing and you’ll feel golden as you realize your baby likes swinging back and forth and but can’t escape, making it the first time since birth that you can feel some sort of freedom. At least, I’m hoping that’s what happens for you, you superstar caregiver that’s sustaining life as we speak. There are some hilly areas and big rocks to balance on for the toddlers and a pretty great tree to climb up for the older kids. Personally I think the highlight of this park are the chestnuts that litter the northside of the field during the fall, which for kids is like finding a bounty of treasure.