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Playground Report: Kandle Park in Tacoma’s West End

April 3, 2013 by Maegen Blue

Updated March, 2017

In honor of sunny skies and spring break, I’m rerunning a few of the most popular playground reports here at SFM. This one is Kandle Park, an awesome new addition for Tacoma playground goers.

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. It’s also home to the area’s only wave pool and some other fun water features that make it a popular place in the summer months. But don’t overlook it the rest of the year- 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. I’m assuming they’ve added some fencing since our last visit (Let me know if you go). However, you could certainly lose sight of a fast runner here, especially on a busy day. My advice is to go with a buddy. It’s right next to an elementary school, so morning outings will be less crowded.. 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!

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

Rainier View Park in Sumner

The Center at Norpoint

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. Or head to What Sounds Fun This Week!

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