As the mom of a very busy 2-year-old, I can safely say I am always looking for new ways to keep him active and entertained. We have been DeBary residents since 2019, and within the past year or so we have been trying to explore the city more as a family on weeknights after work or on the weekends. Our son, Axel, has become increasingly daring in more recent months and has been slowly working up the courage to take on "big kid" playgrounds. We recently made the trip down to Rob Sullivan so that he could run around the big open fields with his friend, and the large, colorful playground there caught his eye.
The rest is history and this series will give you further insight from his point of view on all of the beautiful parks and playgrounds right here in the City of DeBary! Because who better to take advice from on where to take your littles to play than a little himself?
Impressions
First impressions of the playground were extremely positive! It's colorful, it's large, and it's seemingly very popular. Axel was excited watching all of the kids run around and playing with one another- he instantly wanted to join in. He stood and took everything in at first. The main playground structure is tall with smaller obstacle courses and pieces branching off of it to create a large play space. With the height of the main structure, Axel was a little hesitant to tackle it at first. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways for children of all sizes to climb up making it very accessible and inclusive for even the smallest climbers!
This little wall climbing panel with a rope is super user-friendly for smaller hands, and was a really neat way for him to climb up on to the main structure without using traditional stairs. He was even climbing up without the rope's help eventually! (How many mini heart attacks did I have? Let's not talk about it).
There's also a great variety of slides in all sizes. Whether your little one is 2 or 10, there's a slide for them all to enjoy. The slides are even large and comfortable enough to where we saw plenty of parents (including ourselves) having fun and sliding down along with their kids! Aside using the slides the "normal" way, Axel loved putting his climbing skills to the test whenever there weren't any kids waiting to use the slides.
This blue mountain-like structure is another way to reach the main play house. It's tall, with narrow edges that are just big enough for little feet to step on to comfortably. This piece was also a big hit with Axel in that it was challenging but still extremely fun to conquer! He definitely felt proud of himself which is a huge confidence booster!
Nothing beats a good old fashioned staircase when trying to get on as quickly as possible. Axel loved this standard option and we really appreciated the handrails to help him dash up as fast as he wanted while still feeling secure! The staircase is also a popular option for parents who are carrying tiny ones up who want to feel included.
What We Loved
So many pros to this playground! I've already mentioned several- friendly for all ages, accessible, aesthetic, and the list goes on! It is also worth noting that the ground for the entire playground is comprised of small pieces of playground mulch. This is definitely a sigh of relief knowing how crazy kids can get and how trips and falls are bound to happen during a hearty play session. Axel definitely tumbled a couple of times from running too fast and being too excited and there was not a tear in sight!
I previously mentioned how there are several pieces that branch off from the main play structure, and well, this is one of them. The pieces are all designed nicely in the sense that they promote problem solving and coordination. Axel really enjoyed figuring out how to climb through these rings and it was fun watching him go through the other little "obstacle courses" and test his body and mind in new challenging ways.
Axel LOVED the main play house. Once he climbed on he was hooked! He was pretty much sliding down and making his way back up immediately our entire stay. It is definitely the gem of the playground as a whole in our opinion. Interactive, safe, and multi-dimensional- what's not to love?! We got a sweet workout in just trying to keep up with him as he explored and made friends with the other toddlers around. The main play house has steps, bridges, and tons of climbing structures.
The Final Score
He's already asking to go back on a daily basis! We have been back once more since and it was just as enjoyable and positive as the first time. Rob Sullivan playground is nestled in the perfect spot at Rob Sullivan park and it's a joy to see so many children and families in our community come together to play and spend time together in the beautiful outdoors. We especially love coming after work, some cold fruit tea in hand, and catching the gorgeous view of the sunset over the fields.
Judging from his enjoyment while we're there, and his eagerness to go back we're going to give Rob Sullivan playground a 10/10 on behalf of Axel. We were pleasantly surprised at how much there was to do for such a large range of ages, and the location and quality of the play structure itself were top notch (Did we mention a lot of the main play house is shaded? A must-have in Florida!). We are super excited to go back weekly with friends to enjoy this awesome playground and park that's conveniently only about 1.5 miles down the road from us! If you haven't already given Rob Sullivan playground a visit, what are you waiting for? We guarantee it'll be a hit in your family like it is for ours.
More Information on Rob Sullivan Park
Rob Sullivan Community Park is named for a former City Council Member who was instrumental in putting together the park's system in DeBary. This park is gated and consists of 27 acres primarily devoted to Sports. The park has three softball fields, two large multipurpose fields, a playground, three pavilions, a restroom facility and concession stand. Ample parking is provided at this Park. Sports fields and pavilions are available to rent.
For more information please call (386) 668-2040 Option 4.
Hours of operation are Sunrise to Sunset every day. Fields and pavilions are open for use on a first come first serve basis unless there is a scheduled program or rental.
Rob Sullivan Park
200 W. Highbanks Rd.
DeBary, FL32713
