Heath Park

Two rows of big ash trees line the path through Heath Park, a small, flat pocket of green among the houses of St Andrews in Hamilton's north-west, with a modest neighbourhood playground at its heart.¹ It is a park families walk to from around the corner rather than drive across town for.

Equipment

Hamilton City Council lists swings, a slide, climbing equipment and balance equipment.¹ Parents who have visited describe four swings, two slides, a fireman's pole, a rope bridge and a small climbing wall, with safety matting underneath that makes it workable for toddlers. The swing set is newer than the rest, and several locals say the climbing frame and slides are dated and due for a refresh, so set expectations: this is a short play stop for under-fives and younger school kids rather than a half-day outing.

Practical Info

There are no toilets and no dedicated car park. The park has two street frontages, so you can walk in from either side and park on the road.¹ The council lists park benches and a walkway, and the ash trees shade the path.¹ One reviewer found no rubbish bins, so bring a bag for your wrappers. Apart from the street frontages the park is surrounded by houses, which keeps it quiet, but keep an eye on little ones near both road edges.

The nearest toilets are at St Andrews Library Waiwherowhero, about 300 metres away at the Braid Road shops, which (when open) has an accessible toilet with a baby changing table, free Wi-Fi and storytime and Wriggle & Rhyme sessions.² For a bigger outing, Pukete Park and Vardon Park are both within about 700 metres.