Location map
Prince’s Island Park (Just North of downtown) (Playground is in the Centre of the Island near the bridge on the North side). It is not possible to get to the playground without a bit of a walk.
Parking: At and around Eau Claire market (Eau Claire parkade has cheap parking on the weekends) or in the parking lot off Memorial Drive just East of 3rd St. NW.
Prince’s Island Park Playground
Gordie’s Review (2 years old):The train!
Age Range: 2-12.
Ground Cover: Recycled tire matting underneath the toddler play structure and gazebo; pea gravel by the older kid play structures and swings.
Features: Toddler play structure with 2 slides; Small Gazebo for imaginative play; Train with two cars play structure with 3 slides; large Fort play structure with 3 slides; Monkey bar area; 2 medium size spinners and 1 extra tall spinner; 6 swings (3 infant swings); three bouncers (2 toddler).
Surrounding Park Area: Prince’s Island Park has some rolling hills and lots of grassy area with mature trees. Great duck and goose watching along the south side of the river. To the East of the Island is a wetlands area where you can sometimes see beavers. Easy access to Eau Claire Water Park and Eau Claire Market.
Shade: Well shaded by the spinners and swings, as well as in the grass surrounding those areas. Great if you have a child too small to play on the playground or bigger kids who can play independently. Small amounts of shade in the rest of play areas.
Accessibility: Okay access to the play area; can go right up to the play structures on the recycled tire flooring, but not too much available for play on the ground level except for the gazebo. There are a few things that bounce, swing or spin for kids who benefit from vestibular stimulation. The river is close by and there is no barrier, so this would not be a good choice for a child who wanders.
Seating: 5 benches, many picnic tables in the nearby park area.
Overall assessment: This is a great place to spend a day at the park for kids of all ages. I would definitely suggest you consider making the short trip over to the Eau Claire water park while you are there.
Built in 2003, the playground has a Calgary theme which I love – and is one of the biggest playgrounds in the city. Last year Gordie spent more of his time walking around the perimeter of the playground, but this time he had a great time on the train and fort climbers.
The downside to this park is that you can’t get to it without going for a bit of a walk and you pretty much have to pay for parking. But it is definitely worth the trouble.
