Although this playground is technically part of Riverfront Park, many mistaken it to be part of Gladstone-Riverside Park because it’s located almost exactly at the halfway point between the two parks. Cartographic essay and powerpoint presentation aside, let’s just say there’s more than one route to get to this playground.

Surrounded by deciduous trees, this simple playground looks like a narrow, elevated playhouse complete with a small roof and rigid plastic flag. There are steps, a ladder, and mini climbing wall to get to the metal slide. The swing set is located away from the main playing area to prevent little ones from obliviously running into swaying kids.

Note that apart from some low lying brush and thorny blackberry bushes, there isn’t much of a barrier to prevent a child from peeking over into the marshy riverbank nearby. Additionally, most dogs seen during our visit were off leash and eager to say hello to the kids because the walking path is very close to the playground itself.

As for getting to this playground, there are three options: First is to park in the small lot at Gladstone-Riverside Park, where there is a pier to overlook the tugboats and log booms along the Fraser River. Next to the pier is an emergency access ramp for firetrucks to draw water from the river, making it an easy way for families to get closer to the water too, although the sign cautions to use the ramp at one’s own risk. From here, the playground is about a 10 min walk east along the Fraser Lands Recreation Path. This portion of the trail is a little woodsy and we encountered many different bird calls and a tree that had been gnawed on by a beaver.

Second way to get to the Riverfront Park West playground is to park on East Kent Ave N at Elliot St, where one will find a ramp and steps to enter the recreational path. The playground is right at this entrance that’s embellished with light blue railings.

Thirdly, one can start at the other playground at Riverfront Park East and walk 10 mins west along the walking trail.

There is a fourth unlikely option to get here and that’s if you were to arrive via the Langara II barge, a green fishing lodge that parks itself here by the playground for the winter. So hey, that’s four ways to choose your own adventure. Which one will YOU choose? *pointing finger at you*

A couple of large trees provide partial shade for this happy Minions-coloured playground. It comes complete with a plastic tunnel slide, a wide metal slide, a hanging bridge, chain link ladder and a rare, square shaped tunnel. From the top platform, children can enjoy seeing barges and tugboats chugging along the Fraser River with log booms in tow. Pea gravel lies below with surprises of little acorns and twigs, creating some tactile play for little ones.

Right next to it are tennis and basketball courts, surrounded by flourishing community garden beds. Benches line one side of the playground but additional seating options like picnic tables, both sheltered and unsheltered, are found a little further down the grassy field. Included in the picnic area are two BBQs and a fieldhouse with washrooms.

Locals will know that the summer brings lovely blackberries near the foot and bike paths along the river, perfect for little ones to munch on by the handful (with parent’s permission of course!).

Street parking on East Kent Ave S is limited, especially on the weekend, so it’s suggested to try parking on East Kent Ave N instead, all the while respecting the residential spots reserved for locals. Look for a crosswalk to find the path that leads over the railroad tracks and down to the riverfront.

Unbeknownst to many, Riverfront Park actually has two playgrounds on site, hidden further west amongst the trees. For a lack of a better name, we have profiled it as Riverfront Park West.

If your family is here to explore the Fraser Lands Recreational Path and River District area, Driftwood Playground and Tugboat Landing await you eastwards.

Thanks to South Vancouver Family Place for kindly suggesting one of their favourite playgrounds, found here at Riverfront Park.

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