The first week of school holidays have seen unexpected numbers of families, filling the park almost to capacity on most days.

Many have travelled great distances to visit the playground during their holidays.

The playground, which officially opened at Easter, has gained a reputation among families and children as a great place to visit.

Neighbouring residents are reporting steady streams of children visiting the park.

In fact, crowds are so great that some residents have reported problems with finding enough parking to cope with demand.

Even heavy rain and storms last week failed to keep families away.

Caroline Austin, who lives directly across the road, said it was great to see it getting so much use.

“It’s the hotspot of the South West,” Ms Austin said.

“By 10am it’s heaving.”

She said some residents had complained about the large number of cars

parked along either side of the street, as well as on a vacant block next to the playground.

There had also been some problems with antisocial behaviour by large groups of teens who congregate in the park at night time.

Ms Austin is hoping that the cold, wet weather during winter will curb this.

One parent was overheard commenting on booking a week in advance to get anywhere near the barbecues.

A mother, who did not want to be named, said her family would be leaving after just a couple of hours because her three children were sick of having to queue to use some of the most popular items.

Steve Mogridge, who owns a cafe just a few metres down the road, said the new playground was a great asset to bring people into the town. His two granddaughters travelled down from Perth last week and spent three hours in the park before heading home.

“At last the town has a major attraction bringing families from even the big smoke to check out what all the fuss is about and receiving the big thumbs up,” Mr Mogridge said.

“Great stuff.”