We have 3 young boys and they like nothing better than going to the park to run off a bit of that never-ending energy. I have compiled a list of their favourites in the Waterlooville area. We quite often jump in the car and visit as many parks as we can – it’s makes a great half-a-day and is pretty cheap too! These are in no particular order:
1. Westbrook Play Park
The park nearest us, so within walking distance. Situated on Tempest Avenue next to Tesco Express, Plough and Barleycorn Pub and Westbrook Hall. Parking is available. Built in July 2006 and was part funded by the Westbrook Play Area Action Group which raised £24,500 towards the overall cost of £85,000; the rest by Tesco and Hampshire Playing Fields Association. I believe it was built in reaction to many local parks closing down – I know of two in the Tempest area alone that for whatever reason weren’t maintained. Anyway, as parks go, it’s not too bad and the kids can happily spend 1/2 an hour having fun.

2. Hazleton Way Park
Next on the list is a small park situated in Hazleton Way (Horndean End). Plenty of on-road parking and like the previous park has a large green space to kick a ball around too. This is an old, and rather tired park, but still plenty to play on. Just outside the park railings is a couple of adult gym equipment pieces. To be honest, I’ve never seen anyone use them for the purpose they are intended, but the kids like to try and have a go anyway!

3. Merchistoun Hall Park
Situated in the beautiful grounds of Merchistoun Hall, there is a small ‘natural’ play area which is more like an adventure playground. We frequent this park regularly as it is near the boys schools and quite often have a quick play before going home. Sadly, it has become vandalised over the years and much of the wooden adventure play equipment has been removed. The boys like exploring the grounds and looking at the pond, so all is not lost. There is on-site parking too.

4. Peel Park
Quite far from the Waterlooville area but so good that it’s worth the trip. Fabulous on-site parking, massive playing field, skate park and lovely play park for children of all ages. We quite often take a picnic and could happily spend half a day here. There is a zip-wire, swings and slides (not shown in the picture). Unfortunately it doesn’t have on-site toilet facilities but a short walk down into Clanfield you can officially use the toilets in the Rising Sun Pub (which are nice and clean!)

5. Jubilee Park
Jubilee park is situated in Waterlooville Recreation Ground. There is plenty of parking on both sides of the park, and the kids love this fairly traditional park. There are some new areas added in recent years, which judging from the signs it was lottery funded. There’s a bike track in the distance too.

6. Denmead Park
Newly regenerated in 2014, Denmead Park is one of the best in the area. We have already covered this park in detail here. A fabulous park and well worth the trip.

7. Cowplain Recreation Ground
Looking forward to the opening of this new park at Cowplain Recreation Ground which was a very tired and old park.

8. Five Heads Road Park
Again, not too far from the boys’ schools and a nice little park with the extra add-ons in recent years of adventure area outside the railed area. Plenty of parking and like the majority of the parks featured, a large field to kick a ball around.

9. Jubilee Hall Park
Not massive, but enough to keep them occupied for a little while. There is a large adult gym a few steps away from this park too – which although not strictly for children, they usually like to ‘have a go’! Again, there is parking and a huge field for the ubiquitous ball kicking.

10. Downs Park
Tucked away in Catherington at the top of First Avenue is a lovely little park. Lots to do for all ages and again a green space to run around too. Parking isn’t as easy, but we never usually have a problem with parking in the surrounding streets for the half an hour or so that we are there.

These are some of the boys’ favourites and no doubt there are many more in the area that we have missed.
Comment below or message us about others you may know of and we could try out. When I first had children a list like this would have been invaluable to me for somewhere different to take them – I hope it’s been useful for you too.
Nikki/David
what about the park by Jubilee Hall, Crouch Lane(?) Catherington Lane. Also – Rowlands Castle Recreation Gound, Links Lane. A couple for you to check out over the easter hols maybe?
Hi Alice…thanks for the tips on more parks to try out. Jubilee Hall park is already in the blog post. Let’s hope the weather improves!
Hi Bex … The last time we saw the Cowplain park, the landscaping seemed to be almost complete. I expect the play apparatus will be installed once the weather improves. Can’t wait to see it!
Have they started working back on Cowplain recreational park yet? Any news of completion?
Fab reviews. But when will the council do something with the park at Purbrook Heath. There are barely any in the Purbrook/Widley area. A decent one would be lovely!!!
Linnet close park
Lesley Parks
Keats close park
Claire Louise Crouch
Becky – the one in the photo was only possible thanks to a very hardworking committee who raised £20k in a few years. I was on that committee! Have to work to make things happen. ð
Sabrina Miller
Agree with Becky above, Purbrook is sorely lacking. They have taken away the fencing at Fielders which is really poor. Anyone know if the council are planning an upgrade?
The park in Keats Close is called Longwood Park, my parents live in Keats Close. There’s good play equipment there for the children.
Brilliant I have loads to try
Thank you all for your suggestions of more parks to try. I have written a list and we’ll try them out (hopefully!) over the next couple of weeks. Perhaps I’ll have enough for a parks in the area part 2!
Crocodile park in wecock farm is excellent !
There’s a nice newly built park opposite South Downs college.
Also, Springwood Ave next to Springwood Community Centre in Waterlooville has a fairly good park.
Another one to consider including would be the one near to Solent school, off Farlington Avenue (Eveleigh Road).
New park in Purbrook is being built and should be finished soon at Elizabeth road.
Contains a variety of climbing, rotating and swingingplay equipment.
There is also a woodland type park in Creech Woods outside Denmead, well worth a look but more for older kids. Great place if you need to walk a dog and plenty of free parking.
This is a great list, thank you. We’ve recently moved to the area. Lots to try!