With an ‘out of the box’ design and a fun social atmosphere, Saint-Jacques Park in the Ville-Marie borough embraces all ages and is a destination for the local community as well as out-of-area visitors looking for a spot where their kids can let loose.
On a recent visit, my two kiddos — who’ve seen a lot of parks and playgrounds — were stunned into silence upon seeing the modern and unique play products. And then the excitement started.
“What is this building? How do I get up? Am I allowed to climb on the roof? Come up with me! I want one of these swings! Watch this!”
The tall double cubes will make most kids pause as they try to figure out “just what IS this thing?” before heading inside to check it out.
It’s big, it’s bright, and it’s impressive. “This slide is FAST!” exclaimed my big kid as he zipped down the metal slide.
The cables, height, and bubble windows make for an exhilarating new play experience, and if the double cube is too intimidating, toddlers just have to cross to the single cube to play on a smaller scale. The second cube also has gears to turn, windows to look through, ropes to hang out in, and a tube slide.
Nearby is a small ground-level activity centre for the littlest kids with plenty to touch, turn, and flap. And while there are no traditional swings, kids can hang out solo or with a friend in the saucer swing. The park designers juxtaposed wood and natural elements throughout the play space and the sleek metals are interspersed with natural wood spring riders and wooden benches and tables.
While the majority of the play area is on accessible poured-in-place rubber surfacing, there is also a sandbox with two metal sand shovels for important excavation work. And, you wouldn’t know it by looking at the park from the street, or you might even miss it altogether while playing, but the park also has a small splash pad with different ground jets and sprays. For picnics or family dinners, large wheelchair-accessible picnic tables are near the playground and beside the splash pad. This might be a small space but the park has great play value.
Park amenities:
-The splash pad is on from 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m. daily. Press the sensor on the ground to start the water sequence.
-The park is completely fenced and gated.
-There is quite a bit of morning shade and many mature trees.
-Street parking is available but read the signs carefully.
Saint-Jacques Park
At the intersections of Saint-André and Robin, Montreal, H2L 3T9
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10 of Montreal’s best splash pads
