This review will no doubt be close to my heart as my babies learned to swim like sharks at Balyana…read morePool. There are about 4-5 swimming schools conducted here over the week, ranging from Susan Klus, Panorama Swim School and baby dedicated swim schools with the likes of Ezy-Swim Swimming School and Judy Carboncini Swim School. When I first started my kids, we opted for Panorama Swim School only to realise that the boys weren't developing their swimming strokes. Downside of Panorama Swim School is they introduced floaties for the kids and they seem to be using them forever, even after 3 terms here. Not seeing any progress, I pulled the boys out and upon a friends' recommendation, went for Susan Klus. We never looked back sinced. Jurgen and Susan run this wonderful swimming classes at Balyana and in absence of floaties, they emply good swimming teachers and coaches and I am very proud to announce the boys can now swim without me hovering over them like an eagle, staring at their every movement. Jurgen and Susan also train swimmers in the national swimming league..if you ever need any tips or direction on swimming matters, diving etc, talk to Jurgen. As all swimming classes, choose one where the teachers will work for you and develop a good coaching relationship for your child. The pool is also popular for nearby Clapham Primary School summer swimming classes and the disability community who attends therapy classes here.

Ok, firstly let me tell you that if you want to use the playground specifically, park along Eliza…read morePlace, around Bligh St. This is a big park land! Secondly, this was more of a three and a half star playground in my books but I can't rate it as a three, it feels wrong :-) For a small area, they have actually done a good job of adding equipment for a few age groups, the only issue I have is that there aren't steps for the littler ones to climb up to the slide. There's a table/chair area to the right of the playground. I couldn't take a photos as there was a family enjoying some morning tea. Got to love a playground that gets used to it's full capacity. Unfortunately I didn't see a drinking fountain, but I'm sure that there had to be one somewhere. Surely even the Mitcham City Council would put in a drinking fountain or at least a tap for the awesome, fenced dog park that's also here. *Dogs allowed* *Table/chair*

Our usual park was "closed for maintenance"' so we journeyed here instead. We met some great dogs…read moreand their owners. There are all sorts of agility facilities here for dogs, as well as shelters, places to sit, water fountains and poo bags. It was shady in a hot afternoon and the fenced in area allows for hours of off-leash games of chasie. We'll be back!

All aboard the Crozier Train!!…read more There's something for all ages here. The train is obviously designed for younger children and the other play equipment is used mostly by older children, only for the fact that there's a lot of climbing things. There aren't even steps up to the slide. The elderly gentleman in the photos wanted the children in his care to be "Super Stars" hehehe. That's the only reason why I've included the photo of them on the swings. He was quite insistent that I take the photo. Sweet man :-) There is some tree shade here but don't rely on that. Depending on what time of day you visit, there may be no shade over any of the equipment. The playground area is fully fenced. No dogs allowed. *No dogs allowed*

Ideally I'd like to give this playground three and a half but I can't do half stars on here and it…read morewasn't worth four stars :-) This little playground has a lot of shade, at least it did when I visited it. The lovely reserve is quite shady. There is a sheltered area with some seating and a half table. There's also a tap but no drinking fountain. The playground itself is a little dated and is entirely bark chipped. It has a mixture of equipment for older and younger children. There's not a great deal of either, but at least there's a range. The tennis courts are right beside the playground and the car park comes right up beside the tennis courts. Quiet a nice shadowy spot. :-) *Dogs allowed* *Tap* *Sheltered seating/table* *Tennis courts*

This playground would stand on it's own two feet, but to be saddled up beside another playground…read more(Goodale Reserve) is a brilliant idea! Both of the playgrounds are new and exciting. While the Goodale Reserve is a great toddler park, the AA Bailey Rec Ground is suited for older children. There is a sheltered table/chair area (as well as some not sheltered) and BBQs. I can't remember seeing toilets but with this being such a big facility (oval and playgrounds) I'm sure there would be some nearby. Check out my review of Goodale Reserve to see photos of the toddler park. *Dogs allowed* *Sheltered table/chairs* *BBQs*

One aspect of this area that I really enjoyed was the mix of old and new equipment, and the amount…read moreof equipment. There's a smaller playground for toddlers which isn't much more than some steps and a slide, but for the older children there is much, much more. I hope the photos do it justice. There is a table/chair area to the side, under the shade of the trees but the rest has no shade (toddler playground has some shade built into it). Once again, there's no drinking fountain. The playground is beside the Scout Hall and next to the School so perhaps some of the amenities from these areas could be used. *Dogs allowed* *Table/chair*

I have played basketball fairly recreationally in a number of gyms, and my favourite by far is…read moresurprisingly the pride and joy of Pasadena High School. The open lit venue is quite bright and inviting, which gives a positive spin off of things. The fact that is also managed by Basketball SA is probably why it remains of such a high standard. This sports centre also holds school holiday basketball clinics, and is great for both junior and social basketball games. In fact you may also want to note that the Pasadena Sports Centre is somewhere that provides social men's, women's and mixed basketball games. Great facility! Ps. Times vary, and so for specific information ask for Sarah.

My understanding is that this reserve was only the section in the fenced area and the other play…read moreequipment was part of the AA Bailey Recreation Ground (see review of that name). I may be mistaken, however this toddler playground sure is fun! It's fully fenced with some shade from the trees surrounding it (this would depend on the time of day of course). The pirate ship is enough to make me want to check it out and bellow my 'Me hearties!' There's a table/chair, again not under much shade. When I was there this place had children all over every piece of equipment so I felt a little silly about checking it out too closely. Unfortunately that means I didn't get to see if there was a drinking fountain. Perhaps this is excuse to take my daughter here :-) *No dogs allowed*

A delightful playground just waiting to be discovered by the little ones and pirate wannabes…read more Nestled in a shady reserve within the Clarence Gardens neighbourhood is a fun and ready to discover pirate ship. Bring your swords, pirate telescope and a clear chest, as you bellow your "Arrrrrrr" to your fellow pirate mates. For those with Spidey skills, take charge over the spidey tower and show off your climbing prowess. Later, take a steep walk along sandy steps till you get to a slippery dip and bowl your way down. A guaranteed dose of joy awaits every player. Plenty of swings, slides and mini rocking horses to gallop away in the sunset. Perfect for a barbie as they have excellent BBQ facilities, a covered area with benches and lots of grassy area to throw a picnic or just take a nanna nap. Don't bring your pooches here as this is strictly for kids!

This playground had a strange vibe about it. It felt a little industrial and unloved. This might…read morehave something to do with the fact that it's in a semi-industrial area :-) There is shelter here with some seating and plenty of room for a table. The equipment is designed towards older children. There's far too many climbing and hanging things for toddlers. This playground also has a bit of tagging on it which sometimes seems to reflect it doesn't get used a great deal. Apart from that, this is a good spot for older Primary School children to play...if they haven't grown out of playgrounds yet. *Dogs allowed* *Sheltered seating*