COOPERS' PARK PLAYGROUND

Escape the elements of pouring rain or scorching sun, by ducking below the north side of Cambie Street bridge to find a fully sheltered playground free of trolls and Billy Goats Gruffs. It’s a pretty mellow space under this concrete roof, complimented with a nice view of Science World and aqua buses passing by on False Creek.

There are two play structures here with different types of slides, climbing features and an ASL (sign language) panel. Included is a double slide with those strange bumpy textures that I’m still doubtful any child likes(?) The ground is rubber around each play area with concrete pathways between them and a swing set can be found off to the side. Behind the bridge columns is a basketball court and a “rain friendly pop up plaza” with picnic and ping pong tables.

One safety thing to note is that the seawall’s protective guard rails abruptly end at one side of the playground. This means there is a visible opening for your child to try and reach the water below if you have a curious wanderer. A picture is included in the playground gallery above.

Visit Coopers’ Park playground by walking down from Cambie bridge’s pedestrian walkway or along the seawall. If you’re coming here by car, it’s a tad tricky due to the abundance of one way streets so here’s a hot tip: if driving northbound, cross the Cambie St Bridge, take the exit for Expo Blvd going westbound and turn south at Nelson, which turns into Marinaside Crescent. If one is driving southbound, go down Nelson and turn left at Beatty St and then make a ridiculously quick right turn to continue down another street that turns out to still be Nelson St and this will take you to Marinaside Cr.

In all honestly, I’d turn on the GSP for this one.