Grand Barachois’ Rémi Cormier Playground at Père-Edgar-T.-LeBlanc School
Friends, the WOW factor on this playground is off the charts! Zipline! High climbers! Slides! Accessible surface and play elements! The Rémi Cormier playground at Père–Edgar-T.-LeBlanc school in Grand Barachois is worth the drive – one of the best spots we’ve visited in New Brunswick, for sure!
The first thing you’ll notice at this playground is the massive climbing structures, which while very high are still little kid friendly. There are wide steps, side enclosures, and three fantastic slides to enjoy.
There are also lots of smaller play structure pieces, including a long, wavy balance beam, some monkey bars, and funky climbing elements. There were a few swings when we visited; no infant swings (the school is for students in Kindergarten/maternelle to Grade 8) but there was an accessible swing.
In fact, this playground is one of the most accessible you’ll find in New Brunswick, with fantastic squishy ground surrounded by pavement so there are no rocky spots to cross from the parking lot to fun! There’s a wheelchair accessible boat play structure, as well as many games and other elements that are low and easy to reach.
Kids of all ages (ahem, that means many of you moms & dads, too!) will love the double zipline! We also love that there are a few tables near this section, creating spaces where teens who might want to sit and chat can find a place to enjoy as well. (I hope to write more soon on my thoughts around this topic, but if you’d like to read more now, check out Make Space for Girls, a fantastic organization in the UK.)
More school playgrounds in New Brunswick are open for public use outside of school hours, so if you’re planning a visit, just be sure to come when classes aren’t in session. Generally you can use the playgrounds from after school until dusk each day and on the weekends and holidays. (And we did spy a little ice cream stand that should be opening soon, so plan for that, too! There’s also a small grocery store next door for picnic goodies & treats, too.)
The playground is a dream more than 10 years in the making – and we’re thrilled for the community to finally see this vision come to life! Congratulations to all those involved; you’ve created something amazing for everyone to enjoy.
GETTING TO REMI CORMIER PLAYGROUND:
To find this playground, head to 1351 Route 133 in Grand Barachois, New Brunswick. It’s about a 25-minute drive from downtown Moncton, between Shediac and Cap-Pele – perfect for adding on to a trip to the beach this summer!
If you’re driving to Prince Edward Island, this playground is just off Highway 15; take Exit 43 toward Haute-Aboujagane/Grand-Barachois. It’s about 65 kilometers from the Confederation Bridge to PEI – and roughly a 25-minuute drive to another fabulous on-the-way-to-PEI-playground at the club d’âge d’or/Golden Age Club in Shemogue!
If you’re new to Pickle Planet – or just forgot! – this is your reminder we’ve profiled DOZENS of playgrounds in the Greater Moncton Area & we’re hoping to feature dozens more this summer!
I’ve also written about the importance of unstructured play, how play can positively impact mental health, and how truly expensive playgrounds are to build and how much we owe to the individuals who step up to the plate to make them happen.