I am pretty sure I have borderline ADD, in fact in the time it has taken me to write this sentence…read moreI have started a jigsaw puzzle, done two push ups, drawn a funky doodle of a space ship and watched the first 5 minutes of Big Trouble in Little China. So it goes without saying that when I head to a park for a bit of exercise I expect V-A-R-I-E-T-Y! Unity park on South Terrace Pooraka has a plethora of fitness, sport and recreational options that even a 5 year old hyped up on Wizz Fizz and Red Bull would find it difficult to run out of options! Firstly, on the more subdued side, there are two lakes (which have reed beds and other water purification mumbo jumbo to help the enviroment) that are perfect for model sail boats or nitros enhanced remote controlled water madness machines. There are also some lovely tree lined walkes and open fields and I am boring myself! On to the fun stuff! Firstly the playground is crazy good, with plenty of equipment to keep the whipper snappers busy while you pump those pecks and glutes on the circuit training set up they have along side! Pull a hammi? Jump into the rubber hammock (which can also be used as an extreme swing). Feel like some fun that could find you in traction? Head on down the to eastern end of the park to check out the competition standard BMX track and the Skate Park.....Padding and helmets are apparently manditory....If you're a Sissy Girl with spokey dokeys on you bike wheels or tassles on your scooter handle bars! I'm off to play with my Lego now.

9/01/2012 Photos First to Review Run, Jog, Walk or Sprint!…read more YEAHHH! There are two lakes in the beautiful suburb of Mawson Lakes and always inspires me to get off my lazy butt and go for a massive marathon run that allows you to be see all the different expensive new houses and go around the lakes! You may be asking: "Why do you want to do that yourself, D?" Well, for one thing - because of the NBA lockout just recently...let's just say I've been getting my exercise cravings back again, and dying to watch my favourite NBA teams back on ESPN... BUT APPARENTLY I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT'S KEEPING TABS ON THE NBA! There are a few games on ONE HD, but it's just not as reliable as ESPN. Before I drift off into basketball la la land, I'll keep it relevant - apparently the word on the street is that people are getting fatter, spending way too much time watching TV and using the computer, and not getting enough exercise. I'm cautioning you, once you start a proper exercise routine, you will eventually become hooked to exercising...I have less time to exercise though due to the new yelping lifestyle (awww....stop making excuses, you say?). But seriously, even if you just spend 20-30 minutes having a light jog around Mawson Lakes - the work will sweat all your stress out, your body will love you and your mood will instantly lift up...instead of feeling sorry for myself...I just force myself to put on my trackpants and shoes! My body usually tells me when I need to whip my butt back into shape, I can just feel it in my bones. YEEHAH!! So if you're ever feeling slack, I recommend you try going for a run regularly around your local suburb for the next 30 days! When I go to Mawson Lakes...I just fall in love with the scenery! So go for it! Run around the lakes. Topless if you prefer. I guess I'm a sucker for exercise and being one with nature!

Fabulous park for kids to play and have picnic. My only…read moreconcern is the pathway between equipment. Kids aren't aware of the speed of bikes and scooters ridden by kids and adults. Saw a few near misses . Worried someone might get hit. Bark chips are spread over all pathways and other areas. May become uncomfortable to walk on .

Having lived in Adelaide all of my life, it is rare for me to come across a spot that I quite…read moreliterally had no idea existed. Last year I has one such experience, and I struck GOLD! The Jack Watckins Reserve on Churchill Road is really easy to miss. It's entrance is nestled between the railway yard (used mainly for storing the pylons for wind-farm windmills) and some light industry, but once you enter the car park you see rolling hills (Julie Andrews starts singing), a picturesque gum tree lined path, play equipment, circuit training equipment and even a bbq area! The area is perfect for a family picnic, with plenty to keep the junior kiddiwinkles entertained plus a basketball half court for the older sporties and plenty of room for a dob of the pigskin should the testosterone levels reach an appropriate level! Although the park has many fun options for all, it also has a serious side being dedicated to those who lost their lives due to Asbestos diseases as a result of working on the old Islington Railway line. There are many stories and writings located in the park and along the pathway that are definately worth the time to read. Even if you don't take the clan for a bbq day there, it is worth the time to swing by and see some of what Adelaide has hidden if you look hard enough. P.S. The Park is open until 8:00pm during daylight savings.

The only thing missing here is toilets! And honestly what's the point of putting in BBQ's, which…read moretend to make people want to spend a few hours there and would obviously need a toilet at some stage. I personally would only use the BBQ facilities in a park if there were also toilets. But nonetheless, this park has beautiful green grass, a massive shelter built over the top of the entire playground! So you don't have to worry about theequipment being too hot or the kids being out in the sun too long. It's fantastic. There's also a lot of seating around but not as much in the shade. The BBQ and a water fountain are also on the reserve but not in the pics. This one really is a nice park to go to. Looks fresh and fun compared to some.

Another one which is a pretty okay playground and my kids would like it but that's all it is. A lot…read moreof space and nothing but a playground on it (with what looks like reasonably new swings as well). The grassed area is rather large but not very nice looking grass. There is some shade from some larger tree's but it is mostly around the edges of the park and too close to the road for my liking. Another oe that is okay if it's your local and you are still close to facilities at home. Also due to lack of shade you wouldn't want to be out here long anyway on a warm day.

This place is missing a 5th star as missing toilets! Another beautiful water world to make you need…read moreto go too. However it has pretty much everything else covered. There are lots of BBQ's, heaps of space, seating, shade, drinking fountains, lots of water area's / lakes with heaps of birds and ducks around so bring along some bread to feed them. There's walking or riding paths all the way around and through this reserve and it is really quite large. There's a reasonable playground area, fully fenced as well with more seating and shade over the Kew Drive side of the park. There is also a small block of shops right at the edge of the reserve. Nice place to spend a day and get a pizza or something from here if you don't want to bring a BBQ. Some awkward streets to get through but you can easily find parking around the park at various spots.

The reserve is great for a walk around, lots of wildlife and shade around the ponds. Not the best…read moreplayground in summer due to the metal slide which was extremely hot at midday on a day that was fairly mild

This one is so close to 5 stars it's not funny. If only it had toilets! (especially with the…read morewater/lake area with massive fountain so close by with constant running water sounds being made) It's a beautiful newer park. The playground itself is fantastic. It is fully fenced plus it has heaps of play equipment inside. Not just one or two things but a lot. Unfortunately there were kids on it so I couldn't get any closer pics but go there and see for yourself. There was a brand new nice looking drinking fountain. A georgeous undercover area with tables and chairs and new BBQ's that you would actually use without thinking twice. Bins nearby os you can keep it tidy. A lake with a huge water fountain in it that was constantly spurting up water. Plus there were heaps of birds and ducks here - so bring some bread with you and feed the birds. Plus another area with rubber flooring and exercise stations, but really really good ones. With instructions for each one. AND a pathway all the way around the area. Plus still heaps of nice grass space. Just make sure you watch the little ones with the water so close and no fencing to it. But there is great safety fencing with a proper gate for the playground area. Definitely a fantastic spot for day out. The only down side is it's kind of difficult an area for parking.