Cirillo Reserve
Looking for a park that keeps everyone happy? Cirillo Reserve in Middleton Grange is one of Liverpool’s best all rounders. Water play, a big playground, basketball, sports fields, an outdoor gym and a fenced dog park, all in one spot. Pack the swimmers. You’ll be staying a while.
What’s at Cirillo Reserve
Liverpool City Council put $3.85 million into this reserve, and it shows. The water play is the main event on a warm day. Expect squeals, soaked clothes and kids who flat out refuse to leave. Right next to it is a playground packed with things to climb, slide and swing on, all sitting on a soft, spongy rubber surface. Great news if you’ve got a toddler or a wobbly new walker.
Older kids who’ve outgrown the playground (or think they have) can shoot hoops on the basketball court or have a kick on the two soccer fields, which are lit with competition-grade lighting. Parents aren’t left out either. There’s an outdoor gym, so you can squeeze in a few squats while the kids play.
The family dog gets a day out too. The fenced dog park has double-gated entry, shade shelters with seating, a sand pit and lighting. Add in picnic shelters, tables, loads of grass, toilets, showers and drinking taps, and you’ve got everything you need for a full day out without spending a cent.
Parent tips
Pack swimmers, a towel and a full change of clothes. Even the “I’m just watching” kids end up drenched. Before you promise a splash session, check the water play is running. Water features can be switched off for maintenance or outside the warmer months, so give Liverpool City Council a call on 1300 36 2170 if you want to be sure.
Throw some wipes in the bag too. Some families report the toilets being closed or not so clean, so it pays to come prepared. The bins also fill up fast on busy weekends, so plan to take your rubbish home.
Weekend mornings get busy with soccer games and parking goes quickly. If you want a calmer visit, weekday afternoons are your best bet. In summer, the lit fields and dog park make it a great spot for an after dinner kick around. And with water play and Western Sydney sun, hats and sunscreen are a must.
Getting there
Cirillo Reserve is on Hall Circuit in Middleton Grange, a quick drive from West Hoxton, Hoxton Park, Carnes Hill and Austral. There’s parking around the reserve, but it fills up fast on game days. It’s open 24 hours and entry is free.
Address: Hall Circuit, Middleton Grange
Hours: Open 24 hours
More info: Liverpool City Council – Parks and Playgrounds
