Nestled in South-West Ottawa, Barrhaven is a growing community that has a lot to offer for families of all ages. Kids in particular will enjoy the vast number of parks, playgrounds and soccer fields that the area has to offer. In this post, we’ll outline some of the most popular parks and greenspaces that you should consider visiting during your time in Barrhaven.
If you’re interested in learning much more about this vibrant suburban community, you may want to consider checking out our Full Guide to Living in Barrhaven as well as the Best Things To Do in Barrhaven.
If you’re thinking about moving to Barrhaven, we hope that this information will help make that decision even easier and if you already live in the area, hopefully this post will make your time spent there even better!
To make things easy, we’ll move from east to west Barrhaven as we explore some of the top parks in the area. Please note that we do not outline every single park in the area, but some of the most popular ones that we recommend. This post is presented by SERNO Realty.
Barrhaven West / Strandherd
Maravista Pond
While this is not technically considered a park, the Maravista pond provides locals with a beautiful walking path that surrounds the perimeter of a small pond. If you go at the right time, you could catch a glimpse of the fish, turtles, otters and other various wildlife that live here. There are some homes that back directly onto the pond and although the path is not long, it’s an ideal spot to take the dog for a short walk or to stretch your legs after a long days work.
Hibiscus Park
Situated directly among the homes in the area, Hibiscus Park is easily accessible and a popular destination for those that live nearby. In the summer evenings, you’ll see families playing until sun down. This park is popular as it offers a splash pad and covered cabana, which are great for cooling off on a hot summer day. Separate play structures for both younger and older children are also present at this park, including baby swings. Located behind a tree line but on the shared property is a half sized soccer field. Dogs are allowed but must be on leash at all times. While there is no dedicated parking lot available on site, street parking is available.
Fosterbrook Park
Just a short walk from Hibiscus Park (located on the same street) is Fosterbrook Park. In addition to the traditional structures available for kids of all ages, this park also offers a climbing wall and monkey bars. A unique aspect to this specific play area are the three covered picnic tables, providing parents with ample space to sit and watch their kids, in addition to benches. The structures for younger and older children are divided into separate sand areas for added enjoyment and this park also includes a dedicated baby swing. A walking path outlines the perimeter of the property, which also contains a half sized soccer field. This park often hosts youth soccer game on some weekday evenings, making for a busy parking situation on the street as it does not have a dedicated parking lot. Dogs are allowed but must be on leash at all times.
Cobble Hill Park
What began as a small park for local residents and their families living in the Strandherd Meadows community has since turned into one of the vastest greenspaces in the area. Cobble Hill park has recently received the final touches on what has been a rather significant expansion of the original park. It now features tennis courts, a splash pad, basketball area, shade shelters and large grass area in addition to new climbing structures and the existing play structure which was on site previously. With these changes, Cobble Hill Park will undoubtedly become a very popular location for community residents due to its large size and the variety of activities that it will offer. Dogs are allowed but must be on leash at all times.
Clarke Fields
One of Barrhaven’s most well known and established parks is Clarke Fields. It has been there for decades and is the site of Barrhaven’s annual Canada Day celebrations, Rib Fest and Oktoberfest in previous years. Its direct access to the walking paths which run parallel to the VIA Rail train tracks make it a popular destination for dog walkers and families. There is a play structure, baseball diamond, full sized soccer field as well as two half sized fields all on site. In the winter months, the city of Ottawa constructs and maintains an outdoor rink on the property as well. Also accessible from Clarke Fields is Nepean BMX, a dedicated bike park for youth and adults who ride BMX. It is run by parent volunteers and maintains a regular schedule for practices, development clinics, local races as well as provincial competitions. Dogs are allowed but must be on leash at all times. This park has several dedicated parking areas including a paved parking lot and multiple gravel parking locations as it can be very busy during youth soccer and recreational baseball season.
Original / Old Barrhaven
Weybridge Park
Located directly between two Barrhaven elementary schools is Weybridge Park, which is directly accessible from many of the area’s nearby homes. The park offers a baseball diamond, a full sized soccer field, numerous other greenspaces as well as paved walking paths that are popular for walkers. The two schools that border the park include Mary Honeywell Elementary and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School, which each have their own play structures and are accessible from the park. There is a large gazebo that provides shade on hot days. In the winter months, the city of Ottawa constructs an outdoor rink at the park and it’s one of the busiest in the area. At the park entrances, there are numerous signs indicating that no dogs are allowed on the property here, however our own experience suggests that many do not abide by these regulations – this rule is likely due to the number of children playing on school properties. Parking is available in lots at both of the nearby schools which are just a short walking distance away.
Houlahan Park
Located on Tartan Dr. and directly accessible from the bike paths that run parallel to the VIA Rail train tracks, Houlahan Park offers a full sized soccer field, a concrete wall with basketball nets, a baseball diamond and a large play area with structures geared towards younger children. This park is older so there are plenty of large and mature trees which provide shade. There is on site parking available here with a dedicated lot, however due to ongoing construction in this area, it has not been accessible for the past year or so. Dogs are allowed on leash.
Malvern Park & Larkin Park
Adjacent to Barrhaven’s original sports centre (Walter Baker) and the Ruth E Dickinson public library are two parks located directly beside each other – Malvern Park & Larkin Park. Malvern is essentially just one full soccer field and some additional greenspace – it’s where competitive youth soccer is often played. Just steps away from this is Larkin Park which has two half sized soccer fields, a baseball diamond and a large grassy area to hang out. The property also contains The Barrhaven Tennis Club, which is a private use club with 8 tennis courts – memberships range from about $70 to $200 per season. Directly beside the tennis courts is a small playground for younger children. In the winter months, the city of Ottawa constructs an outdoor rink on this site. Locals regard Larkin as a great park because of its cleanliness and large size. These two parks are also bordered by three schools including Barrhaven Public School, Jockvale Elementary School and St. Patrick School, all of which are elementary. While dogs are allowed on leash at Malvern Park, they are not allowed at Larkin.
Longfields & Central Barrhaven
Neil Nesbitt Park
Located on Foxfield Dr, Neil Nesbitt Park is a fairly large greenspace with a soccer field, baseball diamond, full sized basketball court and a small playground area with structures for both older and younger children. In the winter, children enjoy this park, which is known for being one of the better tobogganing hills. Short, paved walking paths wind their way through the area. Dogs are allowed in this park, but only on the hill area. There is also a small paved area for parking on site as well.
Ken Ross Park
Located behind St. Mother Theresa Catholic High School and Longfields Davidson-Heights Secondary School, Ken Ross Park is one of Barrhaven’s largest and most frequented parks. It’s a busy location and a happening spot for youth sports and locals who live nearby. There are three baseball diamonds, including two of which are primarily for use by the East Nepean little league baseball. Rowan’s pitch, a field which is named after a Barrhaven high school student who died of a concussion related rugby injury, is also on site and is complete with bleachers and a track and field oval which runs around the perimeter of the field. The park is complete with two more full sized soccer fields and a rather large splash pad for hot summer days. There are also play structure areas for younger and older children including swings and climbing areas. A significant number of paved pathways wind their way throughout the park, but despite its large size, no dogs are allowed at this location, likely due to the high frequency of sporting events taking place here. This park is so busy that there’s a huge parking lot with over 50 parking spaces and the street around the area is busy & full of cars on most evenings. A skating rink is constructed and maintained for use during the winter months.
Leather Leaf Park
Located on Leather Leaf Terrace, just off Longfields Dr., Leather Leaf Park is one of the newer, more modern play areas in Barrhaven with updated structures for children of all ages and includes a baby swing. Its location is situated amongst a development geared towards young families and there are no sports fields here. The park is small but serves its purpose for those that live nearby. Dogs are not allowed at this park.
Mulligan Park
Located on Mountshannon Drive, Mulligan Park is behind St. Luke Catholic Elementary School. There is one full sized soccer field, an adjacent greenspace, walking paths, and updated (modern) play structures for children of all ages with baby swings and climbing areas. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leash here.
Greenpointe Park
Located on Beatrice Dr, Greenpointe Park is one of just a few parks in the area where dogs are allowed to roam free, off leash. This greenspace also has a kids play area on site with swings and a structure for children as well as a picnic table which is covered under a cabana. Paved pathways run through this park as well. Just down the street (about 350m) from Greenpointe Park is Tierney Park which offers a small play area and structure for much younger children.
Stinson Park
Located at Queensbury Dr. & Beatrice Dr, Stinson Park offers a half sized soccer field and a play structure geared towards older children. There is a small forest which has walking paths that surround this area as well. No dogs are allowed at this park, which is located behind Mongsignor Paul Baxter Elementary School.
Berrigan Skate Park
Located on Berrigan Dr, the Berrigan Skate Park offers local skateboarders and scooter users of all ages a variety of jumps and ramps. Some complain about the overflowing of garbage at this location as well as some littering. When driving by, you’ll often see people of all ages enjoying the park including some younger kids, along with their parents there to watch.
Stonebridge & surrounding area
Water Dragon Park
As the name suggests, Water Dragon Park offers a splash pad area and sprinklers for kids to enjoy in the summer months. The entire park is Asian Dragon themed which offers a unique cultural touch for visitors. Located off Chapman Mills Drive just east of St. Emily School, the park also provides a covered sitting area for parents with numerous benches and a full play structure with a rock climbing wall and monkey bars. The structures are primarily geared towards older children as they are higher than some of the others nearby. There are however dedicated swingsets for toddlers, as well as one baby swing. A half sized field rounds out the area which is primarily used for youth soccer games. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leash.
Dowitcher Park
Located in Stonebridge’s Half Moon Bay community, Dowitcher Park offers a modern and unique play area for children and families to enjoy. Unlike any of the other parks in the area, this site features paved pathways, complete with stop signs, visual traffic lights and lines designed for those learning how to ride a bike or a scooter. The park also has a large covered sitting area with picnic tables, perfect for parents. The play area itself is big, complete with slides, climbing structures and swings. There are amenities for both younger and older children, as well as a large greenspace which contains a soccer field. This park offers a dedicated parking lot and quickly become a very popular park for Stonebridge residents. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leash.
Half Moon Bay Park
All Stonebridge residents and families will want to check out Half Moon Bay Park. Upon first glance, you’ll see that it looks nothing like other parks anywhere in Barrhaven. Modern stonework and concrete interlock gives it significant visual appeal. The climbing structures are new and modern, designed around metal support beams and ropes. There is a splash pad on site, perfect for younger kids to cool off on a hot day along with a covered gazebo. The park features connected pathways that have road access from the nearby homes as well. Adjacent to the park are two community tennis courts which are available for public use as well as a soccer field. A stormwater management pond on the west side of the property is bordered by pedestrian pathways, making it a great spot to see the ducks and fish that live here. The unique starfish art installation is a hit amongst those that visit the park. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leash.
Blackraven Park
Featuring a play structure, unique ‘bamboo gym’ (fitness climbing installation), swingsets (including two for babies), connected paths for walking or running, basketball court (converts to an ice rink in the winter), splash pad and soccer field, Blackraven park has loads of amenities for families who frequent the area. This park is relatively new so the trees are not yet matured, which offers limited shade. Locals love this park thanks to the sprawling space and diverse number of things to do for people of all ages but warn that it’s very busy on the weekends and the on site parking lot is small, with space for only about 8 cars. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leash.
WC Levesque Park
Located off of Riverstone Dr, in Stonebridge, WC Levesque park is a gigantic greenspace, where dogs are allowed to run free. Four large soccer fields occupy the vast majority of the area which are bordered by paved walking paths. A large dedicated parking area is available for visitors on site towards the front of the property which is close to the play area and offers a climbing structure, swings and other basic amenities for both younger and older children. A covered sitting area is available for parents as well. At the back of the property is where you will find the Stonebridge Trail, a 4KM out and back hiking area that runs parallel to the Jock river. It’s a beautiful place for dog walkers and nature lovers to take in the wildlife. You’ll see plenty of birds and animals that live here.
If you’re thinking about living in Barrhaven, you’ve come to the right place. At SERNO Realty, we know the area inside and out and can help you narrow down the best Barrhaven communities to live in based on your family’s unique needs.
Barrhaven is a growing and vibrant community that has so much to offer for families and residents of all ages. The diverse number of parks, playgrounds and green spaces truly make it one of the best community suburbs in all of Ottawa to call home. While this post has highlighted some of the very best parks in the area, there are many more to explore. If you’re thinking about living in Barrhaven, please consider checking out our homebuyer service offerings!
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