Multi level paly fort at Harold Kielly Park.

A hidden gem tucked away in Bald Hills is Harold Kielly Park, a fun pirate themed playground ideal for toddlers and primary school aged children. A small lagoon full of native water birds, shady trees and picnic facilities complement this quiet playground on the northside of Brisbane.

Harold Kielly Park playground

The playground at Harold Kielly Park offers three main play structures which suit a range of age groups.

The smallest space, the toddler play fort, is low to the ground but children may still need a little assistance getting up. They’ll find a tunnel to crawl through, or hide in, a spinning game of naughts and crosses, a suitably challenging climbing wall, climbing net, sliding rings on a bar, and the all important slide. This area is shaded by shade cloth with a bark base.

Adjacent to the first play area is the pirate ship. For middle sized Brisbane Kids this section boasts several opportunities to climb, balance and swing. It has multiple cargo nets, a couple of bars to swing from, and again a slide. The shape and design of the pirate ship allows for imaginative play, it has port holes, a sail, and a stern. This area is unshaded as it is quite tall and has a bark base.

The biggest structure takes shape for a great game of rescuing the pirates’ hostages from the tower. It is two towers connected by a wobbly bridge on the upper level. There are two slides, a tunnel slide from the top level, and a smaller slide from the lower level.

A rather challenging climbing wall runs the entire height of one tower. The spacing and access to the towers is such that smaller children would need assistance.

Also onsite is a flying fox and swings, which include a standard, toddler and nest swing.

Harold Kielly Park lies on the banks of Bald Hills Creek, where there are two small lagoons filled with native water birds. For a closer look at the bird life there is a footbridge and if you are lucky you might spot the odd turtle. For safety, the playground does have a fence running its length however children can still access the water if left unsupervised.

Imagination Factor at Harold Kielly Park

There is a strong pirate theme in the design of this park, however it also lends itself to other types of imaginative play.

The towers may inspire a game where your Brisbane Kids could be rescuing a prince or princess in the tower. Maybe they’re explorers scaling a tall cliff face, then scampering across the poorly maintained bridge in the jungle then going down the chute to their waiting sail boat. Where will your little explorers sail to?

Accessibility at Harold Kielly Park

Unfortunately due to a bark base, and the play equipment at Harold Kielly Park, this would not be considered an accessible playground.

Harold Kielly Park is however set up for social gatherings. It has a large sheltered area with tables and chairs and an electric BBQ. There is also an accessible toilet.

The water course is easily accessible for children as the fence running the length of the playground won’t stop a child who is seeking out water.

There is no off-street parking but there is designated parking on the side of the road. Concrete paths connect each of the play spaces, sheltered tables and chairs, and the roadside.

Harold Kielly Park features

Unfenced playground
Pirate ship theme
Bark Base
Accessible toilets
Large fort/towers
Tunnel slide
Cargo nets
Climbing walls
Swings (standard, toddler and nest)
Flying fox
Spinner
Sail boat rocker
Seperate toddler fort
Small lagoons with native birds and footbridge
Picnic shelter with tables and BBQ
Car parking

While You Are in the Area

A fun playground not too far away (less than 4km) is the huge Pine Rivers Park. It has something for all ages including fenced playgrounds, picnic facilities, 18 hole disc golf course and lots of green space.

Looking for other play spaces nearby, why not check out Deepwater Bend Reserve on Wyampa Road also located at Bald Hills. A great place for fishing, launching water craft, having a play and a BBQ or going for a walk.

What We Thought of Harold Kielly Park

While not huge, Harold Kielly Park is quite and has enough play equipment to entertain the kids, especially toddlers and primary school age kids. The partial shade was nice, as was listening to the birds chirp in the trees and by the lagoon.

The flying fox is always a hit, as is playing a game of tiggy. Overall, a good little playground to occupy some play time outside.