Gahan Reserve

This is one of those parks that I would spy every morning on my way to work and a part of my has always wanted to jump off the train and simply spend some time walking around (which I have done a few times now). Okay, it’s quite small, and doesn’t offer the elaborate gardens that some of the other parks seem to do, but a part of me does quite like it. There are spots for some ball games (including a basketball hoop, which is actually a ball game you can play by yourself, though I’m sure if you were doing that somebody would probably come along and attempt to steal your ball) as well as some play equipment for the kids. However what I really like about this park are all the old houses surrounding it, which gives this place a huge amount of charm.

Right off Collingwood station this is a bustling little park, especially in the mid afternoon and early eve as people walk their dogs, have a chat, or just chill out.
Half is on leash, half off leash for dogs. There’s two lots of bins, heaps of seats, play equipment, and BBQ’s.
It’s a meeting place for the local peeps and even if you don’t know someone they’ll look you in the eye and strike up a conversation.
I’ve never seen drunks or any agro in near on six months so it’s equally safe for kids (Collingwood police station is literally a stone throw away too).
Awesome spot with a great vibe.

Gahan Reserve is a great park behind Collingwood Town Hall and Railway Station. Hidden away off Hoddle Street, it tends to only be used by the locals.
It is great for a BBQ as there is a clean, electric BBQ with two outdoor tables situated under big maple trees. There are plenty of bins including recycling nearby, as well as water fountain.
Better yet there is plenty of space for everyone to spread on the lush green grass. The playground is a sort of fort on a mound with slides coming off it. There is a big boat on giant springs that fits 6 – 7 kids and can really get a good bounce going on when full. There is a flying of, swings, and spinning tops.
For the older kids and more active among us, there is a basketball court down the far end of the park from the BBQ. There is also a big open space where you could kick a ball around.
As the park is surrounded on one side by the train line and the other side by one way, narrow streets, you don’t have to worry about the lack of fences or kids running into traffic.
Better yet is its close proximity to Collingwood Library so you can kick back after a visit with a book under a tree.
Definitely a hidden gem in Abbotsford.