Heather Farm

Welcome sign to the Clarke Swim Center and the All Abilities Playground in Walnut Creek

Play with All Abilities, Walnut Creek

Silvia
All abilities playground in Walnut Creek, CA.

Last week I posted about the Gardens of Heather Farm. While you are at Heather’s Farm and you have children with you I highly suggest you stop by the all abilities playground. This 30,000 square feet playground has two distinct areas. One for 2-5 year olds, and one for 5 – 12 year olds. It was built in 2014, and according to their website, “intentionally addressing the physical, cognitive, communicative, social/emotional, and sensory needs of all children”.

Playstructure at the all ability playground in Walnut Creek.

The inclusive approach has shock absorbent pathways, wide ramps, ground level play areas, and much more. I like that the design also includes the parking lot and other service areas, by providing ADA approved restrooms, van accessible parking spaces and pathways. 

In the foreground there are two benches shaded by an umbrella, in the background a play structure with multiple slides.

The colorful towers greet you from the parking lot and the structures provide plenty of challenges for all kids. Shade is provided by mature trees, but also large umbrellas.

Overall this playground is well thought out and well liked by the community. 

A climbing wall at the all ability playground in Walnut Creek.

Have your kids played at the all abilities playground?
If you are located in Silicon Valley, there are the Magical Bridge Playgrounds for all abilities. Currently these are in Palo Alto and Redwood City, with four more in the planning state.

Men sitting on a bench overlooking the rose garden at Heather Farm, Walnut Creek.

Get surprised by a multitude of gardens, Heather Farm, Walnut Creek

Silvia

When I visited Heather Farm I knew this place was well known for its garden. What I did not know was the dimensions and multitudes of them. They have a stunning 27 different garden arrangements! 

Little tunnel with bushes growing on top.

After I entered the centennial grove, 100 trees from around the world, the cuteness of the children’s garden caught my eyes. I’m sure the small, about a yard long, tunnel is loved by many toddlers.The Crowden Rose Garden lures you in by the scent. It features more than 1,000 varieties of roses. 

Bench at the stroll garden, Heather Farm, Walnut Creek.

With names like sensory, stroll, and meadow garden you will likely discover a myriad of plants, and ,of course there are plenty of benches to take in the scenery.  

The name Heather Farm is from a priced race horse, King Heather, of the original ranch owner, John Marchbank. Marchbank bought the 255 acre ranch in 1921 and converted it into a thoroughbred horse training facility. He sold most of the grounds in 1945. Nowadays an independent organization operates the free Heather Farms Garden and education center. Besides the many gardens, the park offers tennis courts, a swim center, an all ability playground, and a fishing lake, to name a few attractions. 

Heather Farms is located at 1540 Marchbanks Dr, Walnut Creek, CA and is open daily during daylight hours.

Have you been to Heather Farm?

While you are in Walnut Creek you might also enjoy the Ruth Bancroft garden with its lavish display of cacti and succulents.

Resources:

A yellow rose.

Walnut Creek Magazine

https://www.walnutcreekmagazine.com/2021/05/27/307676/a-look-back-walnut-creek-s-rich-equestrian-past

Gardens of Heather Farm History

https://gardenshf.org/50-2/

To see a mini tour of the gardens you can watch this YouTube video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mbSlwqtVxc