Lobley Park Churchill

Take a seat, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for take off at the award-winning Lobley Park Churchill – a playground almost fully dedicated to all things aviation! The playground’s aeronautical theme is a nod to the nearby RAAF Base Amberley, making it a must-do for plane enthusiasts of all ages.

Lobley Park Churchill Playground

The mostly shaded playground is centred around an incredibly detailed RAAF cargo plane and air traffic control tower fitted out with all the knobs, levers, maps, wheels, computers and steering equipment you might expect from the real deal.

The plane’s ground-level position makes it easily accessible for tiny pilots and is wide enough to fit several children at a time. Viewable from the plane’s front window is the two storey control tower which is just as detailed.

A net ladder accesses the upper level and can be exited by either a fireman’s pole or the double slide. Rounding out the play space is a parachute-themed swing set with an adaptive swing, a twisted climbing net and a rotating, saucer style swing. There are also additional elements which add to the playground’s sense of fun and whimsy, including a colourful storytime space, flower frames and even a mock performance stage for the entertainer of the family.

Newly installed fitness equipment can also be found on the parklands’ upper and lower sections. Picnic shelters and BBQs are also in abundance, with over half a dozen scattered along the perimeter with either views of the playground or the native gardens.

Imagination Factor

Needless to say, the imagination factor at Lobley Park is sky-high! Every effort has been made to create a realistic flight experience that guides children to interact with the space as if they were a real pilot. Allow plenty of time to explore the many buttons and controls, and be prepared to test your flying knowledge. Being located only 10 minutes from the RAAF base, you are likely to see army aircraft overhead which only adds to the authenticity and provides a unique opportunity for little and big plane spotters.

The strong aviation theme does prompt a certain style of play but there is plenty to engage the non-plane fans, such as the bright, arts-inspired spaces and the always popular climbing equipment and swings. There is also inspiration to be found in the natural environment from the towering eucalyptus trees to the large, grassy field in the middle of the parklands which is lit up at night to extend playing hours.

Accessibility

A concrete footpath system allows for wheelchair and pram access from one side of the park to the other and connects to all amenities. The toilets are a short walk from the playground and close to the Warwick Rd off-street parking. The plane’s cockpit has a ramp entry and an adaptive harnessed swing is included in the swing set.

Lobley Park Churchill Features

Accessible toilets
Partially fenced
Playground 80% covered by shade sails
Combination of rubber and bark chip base
Aviation themed playground
Adaptive swing with harness
Open kick around area
Fitness equipment
BBQs
Picnic shelters
Off street parking spaces available on Warwick Rd and Lobb St
Close to the RAAF base at Amberley

Lobley Park Churchill is located just outside Ipswich Central making it a short drive from River Heart Parklands and The Workshops Rail Museum which is a must see attraction for train lovers. There is also a small takeaway store across from the playground.

What We Thought of Lobley Park

Add Lobley Park to your “to visit” list if you have a plane enthusiast at home or are simply looking for a playground which offers more than the standard swings and slide experience. The playground is not as new as some of it’s flashy counterparts but we believe it’s charm and uniqueness will turn you into a frequent flyer.

Review written by local parent and explorer Kate.