The playground at Alameda Gardens is set within the picturesque Botanic Gardens and is the park for those kids who love to climb. The playground is set on 4 levels comprising of little kids section, rope tunnel and water pump (not working unfortunately), swing and climbing frame, and balance ropes obstacle course. It has something for all ages from just walking all the way up to preteens needing to burn some energy.
Level 1: Just Walking to Little Kids
All the activities in this section are built for littles. There are little baby swings, climbing frame, game boards, rocking horse and trampoline. The climbing frame has 3 interconnecting sections with rope ladders, bridge, and watch towers. Tall enough to provide a challenge to little adventurers but not so tall that parents are worried about these little adventurers getting seriously injured. This section has the most shade too and a number of benches and a picnic table for snack time.
The trampoline is strong enough to take an adult as well as toddler so parents can get on as well, when demanded.
Connecting Levels 1, 2 and 3 is the rope tunnel. Aimed at older kids, you can send your older children off to the big climbing frame while you watch the babies. This tunnel is also big enough for an adult to climb through when bending over.
Level 2: Mechanically Minded
This is a small intermediary level with an exit from the rope tunnel if desired to have a look at the old fashioned water pump and run off troughs. I believe at some point this was a working pump but unfortunately the pipes are now disconnected. The pump itself is interesting to look at and children experiment with lifting the handle.
Level 3: Adventurous Climbers and Big Kids
The end of the rope tunnel brings you to Level 3 which comprises of a circular rope swing, a rope climbing frame and climbing wall.
Everyone can pile on the circular swing. This big rope swing is big enough for about 4 kids to climb on together or a parent and a couple kids. Lie back and watch the trees and the sky while you swing!
The rope climbing frame not only poses a challenge through its height, it is made of ropes and it can rotate! Kids can climb to the top and survey the playground, and climb a little bit further up to the watch tower to survey the land.
A piece of rock that is the wall between levels 3 and 4 has been made into a climbing wall with climbing crimps and jugs (proper climbing holds). A few of the bolts holding the climbing holds to rock need a bit more tightening but there are plenty others to help you get to the top.
The top of the rock wall has been paved with pebbles and provides an enticing walk for young adventurers. The rope fence for Level 4 can be used to hold on to by these balance enthusiasts. The drop down to Level 3 is steep so parental supervision is recommended.
Level 4: Obstacle Course
Level 4 is like a mini obstacle course with a wobble log, suspended rope wall, balance rope and log forest. Children can compete against themselves or their friends to see how fast the can get traverse from one side of the course to the other.
Accessibility with a Pram/Buggy
The playground is possible to access with a buggy but no all levels.
To get to the playground: enter the botanic gardens via the ramp entrance on Red Sands Road. To get there from the main road you will need to walk up Red Sands Road past the fire station, past the post box and Chicken Shack, then cross over the zebra crossing in front of the steps to the apartment block.
Once you are at the top of the ramp, turn right and go up the path until you see the playground. There is a metal gate with 5 steps leading up to Little Kids section (Level 1). Its not that high so depending on the weight of your buggy, you can carry or joggle the buggy up the steps. You will be able to access Level 1 and 2 (little kids and water pump area) with no steps.
Alternatively, if you carry on a bit further up the pedestrian path, there will be a left had turn with a gate that will let you end Level 3 where the big climbing frame is. This only has 1 step to enter. From this level you can see all the levels however there are only steps up and steps down to access the other levels.
Is There Shade?
Important question as we enter the Gibraltar Summer, yes there is shade. With lots of trees and bushes surrounding the playground there is a good amount of shade throughout the day. Almost full coverage during the morning and as we reach mid afternoon half the playground has shade.
Compared to other parks and playgrounds in Gibraltar, this is one of the best for shade.
Mosquitoes
Do be aware that at certain times of the year and day mosquitoes do come out in Gibraltar, and the mosies come out at Alameda at times. So using some mint oil, rub mint leaves or using mosquito spray on wrists and ankles will be useful, or alternatively wearing long sleeves – however that may not possible during the summer.
