Minkarra Park Playground and Dog Park

Minkarra Park Playground and Dog Park

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Posted 2013-04-05 by Dave Walshfollow


Minkarra Park is truly a park that has something for everyone in the family.

I originally noticed the park because it is the only purpose built dog park in the Onkaparinga council area south of Adelaide.

After visiting the park, I then discovered what a great range of activities are supported - there are mountain bike and hiking trails in the bushland, playgrounds for kids, a bmx track, the off leash dog park, and a large skate park.



If that's not enough there is a fitness workout area and bicycle trails too, which are shared with people hiking in the area. Pretty much enough to keep even demanding kids happy.



Minkarra Park is located on Happy Valley Drive, with entry to the car park via Manning Rd. A sign warns dog owners that dogs are not permitted within 20 metres of the playground under threat of an expiation notice.



The fitness training area is at the eastern end of the park, with 8-10 pieces of Moduplay equipment to work out on, and instructions are provided on how to use the equipment. While my dogs sat laughing in the car I tried a few pieces of equipment without doing myself any injury.

Seriously though, you don't have to be a fitness fanatic to use this equipment - it was dead easy.



The playground doesn't come with any instructions for older folk without experience, but kids will have no qualms about enjoying themselves on the modern pieces of equipment. It's on a rubberised surface or bark chips to minimise the risk of injury.





A couple of friendly frog statues liven up the place and make it more interesting for the little ones, and there is a picnic table nearby for adults to rest their weary limbs while the kids exercise.



Modern toilet facilities and a water fountain are provided, but surprisingly I didn't find a free BBQ area.



The skate park area is huge, and could accommodate many people at once.



There's a sign warning people to use protective equipment and outlining conditions of use.



I visited weekday mid afternoon so there was only one young child there, but I imagine it would be packed on weekends or late afternoons.

A path winds around to the dog park at the end of the skate park, and my older dog with arthritis seemed to think that getting there was all she could be bothered doing.



Two evil looking Gremlins stood guard at the gate spitting venom and looking threatening until I opened it, when they suddenly made themselves scarce. Their owner cheerily told me that they do that for all visitors.



As with other dog parks, there is a double gate arrangement to minimise the chance of escape after leads are removed, and my dogs bounded through to investigate and to add to all the strange smells.





A variety of play equipment is provided to amuse your canine companions, but most seem to prefer sniffing around.



A doggy water fountain is thoughtfully provided, and seats under a shelter so you can sit and chat while the furry ones socialise.



The other dog owners were friendly, and all the dogs in the park played happily together. It's a very effective way of socialising your dog, and I have found that dogs are less likely to misbehave or bark after a visit to a park like this.



For tips about keeping your dog happy and well behaved, see here . For more information about dog obedience training read this .

#things_to_see
#southern_suburbs
#school_holidays
#playgrounds
#near_adelaide
#greater_adelaide
#fun_for_children
#flagstaff_hill
#family_attractions
#family
#dog_friendly
#attractions
%wnadelaide
155634 - 2023-06-14 11:10:57

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