John Scott Park

John Scott Park, in the beautiful, leafy village of Samford, is a wonderful spot to visit, with spaces for kids of all ages to enjoy, from tots to tweens.

The playground occupies the historic spot where Samford Railway Station and adjacent rail yards once stood, and the train-themed play equipment for little tykes is a nod to its heritage.

The station and rail line met their maker in 1955 and it was the campaigning of Bill Nelson, local postmaster of the time, that saw the old yards turned into a public park.

Keep an eye out for two delightful tiny doors … if you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the fairies that call them home. Lucy & Lily live in one, and Rupert & Jemima are across the path.

For those tykes who like to let their imagination run wild rather than their legs, the stepping stones that snake through a well-planted garden are an ideal spot to chill and explore.

The toddlers’ play equipment has tunnels, ladders, slides, interactive walls, plus a spinning swing and rockers, and is in dappled shade for much of the day, with huge sails overhead and wonderful big trees to keep the area cool and protected from the sun.

It’s nice to know that the playground is mostly fenced, and has plenty of options for kids to burn off energy.

A beautiful addition to this playgrounds is the pentagon of swings. Not only is it just the ticket for making sure everyone gets a turn in a timely fashion, but the children are facing each other and can interact. What an added bonus for mother’s groups!

Moreton Bay City Council have thought of everything and the undercover picnic shelter – which overlooks the main toddlers’ space – has free-to-use electric bbqs, picnic tables and a state-of-the-art water station to refill water bottles as needed.

On either side of the playground, you’ll find large open, grassy areas which are perfect for the bigger kids to run around - to kick a ball, shoot some hoops or fly a kite. Or even better, why not just relax and spread out a picnic blanket and enjoy fare from the local cafes.

On the side closest to the Samford District Historical Museum (which the kids love exploring) is a fantastic BMX track for the littles.

Nice to know – Plenty of parking is available along the street, and the modern public toilet facilities are wheelchair-friendly and pram-friendly.

By Danella Perrins