Play Parks around the Waterlooville Area

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.