Halifax Commons – Fun on the Green

Commuters zipping along Bell Road or Cogswell Street can almost always catch a glimpse of play on the Central Common. Created in the 18th century, the Commons are now a green hub getaway surrounded by heavy traffic routes. Grassy expanses, sports fields, tennis and basketball courts, an outdoor pool and a skatepark make it a great venue for fun and fitness. The playground ensures there is something for the younger set too in this downtown mainland, recreation central (map).

The current playground was completed in 2006 at a cost of just over $125,000 (photos). None of the equipment from an earlier incarnation remains. There had been a rickety metal slide, a swing set, teeter-totters and I remember my older daughters having some queasy rides on a yellow roundabout. A portion of a concrete sculpture bordering the skatepark is the only remnant of the old playspace.

There are now three distinct play pods capped with blue pyramidal roofs. One of these is designed for toddlers. Easy access steps lead to a lower level with a two-lane slide. From this platform you can go up one level and through a short tunnel that leads to a single lane slide. There are two other access points, not counting running up the slides, for the more adventurous – a chain link ladder and a metal bar climber.

The climbing pod features a semi-circular climbing web. It’s about two metres high so small ones wanting to spider up need close supervision in case they get wobbly or venture too high for their own comfort and get a little light headed. The other piece here is a triangular handled monkey bars that make a tight circular path out from and back to the base.

The largest pod is for the big kids (recommended by the manufacturer for ages 5 to 12) though the smaller ones can certainly manage to get around most of it. Some of the access points will be beyond the under fives and it’s worthwhile keeping an eye on the boisterousness and exuberance at play on the wooden bridge. This is a place where small ones can get a scare or be bowled over. There is a curvy slide that is about 2.5 metres high at the start and a much lower two lane model. There are numerous access points including stairs and a variety of climbers. In addition, there are monkey bars and those hanging steering wheels to the stars.

There is also free standing equipment that includes swings (two for babies, four for older kids though two were temporarily out of commission), a rainbow coloured Escher climber, a blue jeep that reminds me of the Mini Mokes in vogue for tourists in Barbados in the 1980s, a gray plastic climbing boulder and finally a three lane slide that during our visit in mid-July was a set of stairs to an empty platform. It is cordoned off but there were constantly kids sitting on the platform with their legs dangling in the air.

The playground surface is that springy, rubbery material that makes me feel like I can add six inches to my vertical jump once I start bouncing on it. It’s effective at breaking falls and probably reducing abrasions. Oh, and did I mention it’s sproingy just as Tigger would like it.

The playground is frequently busy and can get a little congested. It is often used by summer camp groups and day cares in the area. There are some shady patches close by. If you want to cool off in the supervised pool which is immediately adjacent, call 490-4548 for hours of operation. There is plenty of well kept grass for kicking balls, rolling around, spreading a blanket and having a picnic.

With luck you can find a parking spot on Cogswell St. Other parking possibilities include the lot behind the Canadian Tire on Quinpool Road, Citadel High School, or the QE II pay parking on Robie Street. All are just a short walk from the Central Common.

We love to drop into this playground occasionally when we’re downtown. It’s a great spot to for the kids to get out and stretch their legs, run around and try out their amazing feats on the equipment. Then there’s that great blue car frame to cruise in. I can just squeeze in behind the wheel. There is also lots to visit in the immediate area including the newly refurbished Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History, the Halifax Public Gardens and the Citadel.

All materials, unless otherwise attributed or credited, copyright ⓒ 2010 Alex Smith.

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