It’s mid-morning. The sun is hot in the sky. A loon calls out across the lake. Portland Estates are the only Halifax playgrounds where I’ve heard this distinctive cry. The loon’s laughter is a bonus backdrop to the kids’ play and the activities available at the three playgrounds situated around the Morris Lake shoreline. It’s nature in full blown suburbia. In season, blackberries bursting with sweet are delicacies waiting to stain little fingers and mouths if you can get there before the birds.
Portland Estates I
The first of the the three play areas in the neighbourhood, Portland Estates I (map – purple marker and photos), is designed for kids from 18 months to 12 years according to the information posted by the manufacturer. You won’t see too many 12-year-olds here though – too tame and there are other options for them within walking distance that we’ll explore. This is primarily a playground for the primary and pre-school set, built to their scale and offering the sliding wheeees, the climbing oooooohs and swinging yeaaaahs.
The equipment is standard and well maintained. It’s the surroundings that set this little spot apart. A post and rail fence define three sides of the play area making it easier to contain enthusiastic and energetic kids. The open end gives on to the swings (2 baby swings, 2 for the older kids) which are just a quick dash away from the slide and climbing structure.
On one boundary of the playground is a brook feeding into Morris Lake. Portland Hills Drive is beyond the fence and up the path on another side and across from the play area are public tennis courts. There’s plenty of shade, benches and walking paths.
The play structure is anchored by two slides. The higher elevation slide is a double laner, ideal for the small ones who want to hold hands on their way down. The two slide platforms are connected by a plastic tunnel with large circular perforations for peeking out, or in as the case may be.
If you don’t count clambering up the slides themselves, there are three access points to the play structure’s platforms. Metal stairs with railings for small ones to hold on to are the easiest ascent. Three cut out rungs on a vertical plastic board provide a mid-level challenge for getting up and over. The trickiest assignment, one where a spotter could come in handy, is the climbing poles with platters where there is a reach from the top platter to the platform. This could be daunting for small kids when they reach the step off.
The ground surface is pebble infill. There’s lots of grassy areas for running and tag. The tennis courts are also a fine place for impromptu soccer, chasing and running games when no one is playing. Parking is available in a lane used by boaters that runs off of Portland Hills just beyond the tennis courts, or at Portland Hills Elementary School.
Portland estates II
Portland Estates II (map – blue marker and photos) is quite simply sliderific. Start out on the reflecting surfaced wide body that remains at a safe temperature even on the hottest of days. Then there are the departure gates of three composite plastic slip slidin’ downhills that share a common platform area. When you can’t always get what you want, there’s always a second, or third choice if the corkscrew, the bump and the bender are bustling busy with speedsters. Finally, on the far side of the suspension bridge from the platform of three, there is a short span double laner slide that’s gentler and tamer than the other choices.
For kids who like that swinging, dangling, suspended above the ground feeling there is an aerial highway figure 8 and small straight away to test their endurance.
The manufacturers recommend this playground for ages 5 to 12. There are three main play stations – the slides – bridge, the climbing apparatus – slide, and the spongy surfaced activity area. In the case of the first two play spaces, the access points, platform heights and the sway factor of the suspension bridge require close supervision for those under 5.
We have experienced a couple of spills followed by teary sobs. The equipment is too challenging for many in the under 5 gang to be able to masterfully maneouvre. On the bridge, it’s important to monitor the boisterousness level of the older kids. They can get carried away and accidentally bowl over smaller children.
The third play area is designed with the smaller children in mind. There are four play stations where kids can, among other things, drive a truck, rock out to some music, spin a globe, or play house.
A big brotherly note – this playground is under 24 hour surveillance. Shade is in short supply here. There are plenty of benches for tuckered parents or caregivers. There is lots of room for kids to run around – an adjacent sports field and the paved schoolyard area right next to the playground. Watch out for grazed knees.
Portland Estates III
Portland Estates III (map – red marker and photos) is a two minute walk along the path from Portland Estates II. The big ticket item here is the red hexagonal climber.
It looks like a molecular representation of a chemical compound, or a series of old fashioned barbells joined in geometric precision and interwoven with heavy duty cord. We’ve come across four or five of these throughout the city.
Beside the climber is a slide structure built for the younger ones – one double and one banana slide. From here, it’s just a short, hop, skip and a jump to a happy trail adventure if anyone has energy left to spare.
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