FUNderwood Hollow is the newest adventure play space to be added to the recreation area of
Underwood Park. Full of charm and whimsy, FUNderwood Hollow is a magical play experience for kids. Part tree house, part castle, part fort, this kooky-looking structure is sure to become a family favourite playground.
Being the largest
Spielart playground in Australia to date, the FUNderwood playground draws its fairy tale design inspiration from Peter Pan. The castle-style towers with their distinctive panelled rooftops comprise three levels for kids to climb. Bench seats up high are the perfect place for club house meetings and the oddly-shaped windows allow kids to keep an eye out for adventure below. Suspension bridges, a scramble net, a fireman's pole, rock climbing walls and platforms all add to the challenge of this play structure.
Adding to the attraction of the area are zany carved characters around the play structure. Owls, monkeys and crows keep watch from tower vantage points. Leaves disguise hand rails and poles as jungle house features.
Further down in the hollow a bridge extends over the rock bed, which was almost ethereal in the leaf-filtered winter morning sunshine.
Walk down the hollow
While it is extremely appealing to toddlers the playground is recommended for ages 5 to 16 years. There are steps to allow easy access for littlies, but areas such as the wavy bridge would definitely require parental assistance and supervision. Unfortunately access is also limited for children in wheelchairs.
Some areas of the playground are unsuitable for under 5's
Adjacent to FUNderwood Hollow playground is even more playing fun. A flying fox, pedal car track, spider web, roundabout and a second playground with swings, diggers and slides offer kids a further challenge. Picnic tables, shelters, barbeques and toilet facilities are also close by. There are plenty of large trees providing shade and lawn space to stretch out. For further details about the extended areas of Underwood Park make sure you check out the Weekend Notes review
here.
Spider web near the playground
This playground is already drawing large crowds so it would be advisable to arrive early. According to a council worker we spoke to during our visit the nearest car park has been filling up by about ten o'clock in the morning since the area was officially opened these school holidays. Being a large park however, there would still be ample parking around the grounds.
FUNderwood Hollow is located within Underwood Park, on Underwood Road, Priestdale. Drive past the wetlands area, BMX track, soccer fields, Rochdale Rovers Club, and through the gates (open 6am - 9pm daily) to reach this otherworldly playground.
