Located next to Newport’s artificial lake is a fantastic nautical-themed Brisbane playground identified as Spinnaker Park but more affectionately recognised as Livvi’s Place. Easily spotted, the tall sail structure of this incredible playground is visible well before you arrive at the playground. Spinnaker Park features ample play equipment to entertain kids of all ages.

Spinnaker Park Newport Playground

The stand-out feature of this lovely Newport waterside park is the sail-shaped climbing tower with its cargo netting ladders and slides offering a birds-eye view of all the action below. Once a child ascends the rope ladder, there are two metal slides to choose from, the super-fast one at the top or the slightly slower one from the middle level.

Underneath the sail are two hammocks for the little sailors to rest after all that climbing and sliding. Surrounding the sail are a few smaller play forts suitable for all ages. A small pre-schooler fort replicates the nautical theme with port windows, a small sail and cargo netting. The smaller play fort also has a small metal slide.

Next to the tower is an intricate ropes area where kids can climb from one end of the cargo netting to the other. Adjacent to this is a timber structure close to the ground and suitable for toddlers to explore independently. Spinnaker Park also has sand scoops and three sand play tables which offers some variety to usual playground equipment.

There is a strong emphasis on balancing, scrambling, sliding, and active and challenging play throughout the playground. Kids have ample opportunity to practice balancing on the rubberised balancing steps and mounds as they step, leap and jump from one to the other. They can test their climbing skills on the cargo netting or haul themselves up the rope on the slope on the hill.

At Livvi’s Place Newport you will find two regular swings, two toddler swings, a basket swing and a log-style rope swing. Next to the swings is an accessible roundabout which is flush to the ground.

Water play

Outside the fencing Spinnaker Park has some water fountains for children to splash and run through; the ground here is flat and accessible. This area will be perfect on hot Brisbane Days and with zero depth and easy to monitor your children while they play.

Swimming in the lake is not permitted.

Imagination Factor

Brisbane Kids don’t need to look far for inspiration to play. Children could be sailors attempting to cross the seven seas; scale to new heights as they pretend to adjust the rigging on their yacht. Or perhaps they want to rest below deck as others guide their vessel to safety. Maybe the small wooden boat is sailing across a peaceful lake to a small island. The sand base lends itself well to digging for treasure or using it as a construction worker with the sand scoop.

Accessibility

As part of a series of playgrounds designed to be inclusive for all children, Newport Waterside Park is a designated Livvi’s playground. Livvi’s playgrounds are an initiative by The Stockland Care Foundation and the Touched By Olivia Foundation, which creates inclusive playspaces for all to ensure all children can play. Thsi playground has a wheelchair suitable ramp from the ground level up to the middle level of the tower.

The roundabout is flush with the ground and has rails which may be suitable for wheelchairs. Concrete paths connect the toilets, carpark, sheltered seating and a water fountain.

Spinnaker Park is fully fenced and partially shaded. In the warmer months it would be best to visit in the morning or late afternoon.

For the caregivers, there are only two sheltered tables and chairs but there are sandstone blocks and seating around the playspace. Outside the fence line is a reasonably sized grassed area for a morning or afternoon picnic.