Well, shoot.
Here I am all excited to tell you about a new playground, and the forecast has nothing but rain clouds. Let’s make a deal: I’ll give you the scoop now, and you promise to head here just as soon as we get some sunshine!
Kandle Park is in Tacoma’s West End. If you’re directionally challenged (raises hand), think of it as the area between the zoo and 6th avenue. The street address is 2323 N Shirley, which worked fine for me with Mapquest. Eventually, it will be home to a new pool and sprayground. For now, there is still some uninviting looking construction under way, but the playground is huge, bright, and open for business.
As you can see, it features a super sized climbing structure (Watch that 2nd story-it’s a head bonker for anyone over 8), as well as a smaller version for the preschool set. There are also some really cool pieces of equipment that are sort of updated versions of merry-go-rounds and teeter totters, as well as a set of swings and and a small climbing apparatus. That awesome rubber matting surface is under all of it. It’s designed to be accessible for children with physical disabilities, and I also saw a variety of sensory activities.
Both the boys had a great time here. There was plenty to keep my big kid entertained, and the little kids I saw were having a ball, too. While there was some familiar equipment, there were also some pieces that I hadn’t seen before. If you do the playground circuit as often as we do, you get to appreciate variety!
You should know that the playground is basically open. There is fencing around the areas currently under construction, and I’m sure there will continue to be fencing between the playground and the pool area and the skate park. However, you could certainly lose sight of a fast runner here, especially on a busy day. My advice is to go with a buddy, and do it now before it gets popular. It’s right next to an elementary school, so I’d suggest a morning outing. My final word of caution-it’s in a neighborhood right next to a police substation and that school I mentioned, so watch your speed!
Overall, we thought this was a super fun outing, and it’s a much needed addition to this area of T-town. I’m betting when the pool area opens, it becomes a major destination.
Got another favorites play spot I should check out? Let me know!
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like some of my other playground reports:
The new playground at Chambers Creek
The playground at Fort Steilacoom
or check out my favs and see if I have yours…Here’s my Top Five South Sound Playgrounds List, and here’s my list of oh, so fun runners-up. I may have to redo both of these to reflect some of the area’s new additions.
Too chilly? You can always check the indoor playground list in the menu bar. Don’t forget to scroll one down for What Sounds Fun This Week!
thank you for posting about this park, we’ve spent almost every sunny day here in the last week. my son loves it!!