East Hanney Recreation Ground has a super kids playground with striking Fox climbing wall, basket ball court, tennis courts, football pitch and lots of wide open space. There’s a mix of old and new equipment and something for all ages, although weighted mostly towards primary school age.
There are two big features that stand out when you arrive. The main climbing appartus has a couple of different ways up, a rope bridge to traverse and both a straight and twisty slide. The twisty slide is pretty gentle so no shooting off the end. Find parks with great slides in Oxfordshire.
This area has a low fence around it and also has the toddler swings. However, most of the park sits outside of the fenced area so if you have two kids that like to go in different directions it’s worth knowing in advance!
The other big standout is the unique and wonderful fox, adorned with climbing wall style foot and handholds so you can clamber up the tail or sides to a platform at the top. We loved this feature and my son already refers to East Hanney playground as the fox park.
Mixed in with the newer additions is older equipment but still totally functional traditional favourites with swings, see saw, small nest swing and a zip wire.
For those looking for a challenge, there’s all sorts of poles and ropes to traverse and one of those walking roundabouts too.
As well as the toddler swings, there’s a smaller climbing frame and slide and also some sensory musical fun too. If you’re feeling like a rest, just lie back in the swinging hammock for some chill out time.
The ground aroung the big climbing frame and slide is woodchip but the majority of the park is grass and while it was fine when we visited this afternoon, I suspect it could get a bit muddy so bring your wellies if there’s been lots of rain. It also wouldn’t be easy with a wheelchair. Apart from the small nest swing and the sensory music section which is small, there really isn’t much to make it fully inclusive for children with additional physical needs.
Right next to the playground is a great looking hard court for basketball or football so you could easily keep an eye on older kids while being with a younger one in the play park.
East Hanney Recreation Ground has free parking and there’s a community village shop and post office which is open 6 days a week. We popped inside and you can buy hot drinks and snakes too which is great.
