LUMBERMEN'S ARCH PLAYGROUND

The playground here at Lumbermen’s Arch is old but well loved. Tall wooden poles topped with green cones playfully mimic it’s forested surroundings.

The playground design is a tad clunky, with sections that don’t quite flow or connect together. One can get stuck on a platform with no easy way of getting to the area right next to it. One has to climb down in order to climb back up to get to the next section.

There’s a green twisty tube slide that delighted my oldest because it was “glowing” on the inside by the bright afternoon sun. There are wooden, chain and arch ladders, as well as a medium climbing wall. Other play components include a couple of crawl tunnels, monkey bars, sliding pole and a smaller slide.

Away from the main structure is a gazebo-like playhouse with an abacus and dinosaur tic tac toe panel. A baby swing and two standard swings complete this playground.

Benches surround the perimeter and within view are both sheltered and unsheltered picnic tables by the fieldhouse washrooms.

Surrounding Landmarks near Lumbermen’s Arch Playground:

Nearby are several landmarks, such as the Japanese Canadian War Memorial that honours the Japanese Canadians that fought in WW1. Cherry blossoms that were donated by Japan in the 1920s and 30s encompass the memorial and decorate with blooms in the spring.

Further down is the Vancouver Aquarium, which your children may hear before they see it, as the sea lions bark quite loudly and are sometimes in earshot from the playground. Further up is the Stanely Park Junction with the miniature train.

Northwards, is the inspiration for the playground name – the Lumbermen’s Arch which was erected in 1952 to replace the original arch that marked the visit of Canada’s first governor-general. A tribute now to the BC’s lumber industry, it’s part of a picnic area with concession stand. From here, the iconic splash park that goes by two names – Variety Kid’s or Fox’s Den – is right past the seawall walkway.

As one gathers here, under such grand trees and view of the ocean, may it be a gentle reminder to also acknowledge the Coast Salish natives that dwelled here long before any of these landmarks came to be.