Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Friendly but shadeless: Nelson playground

Playground: Nelson
Location: Cumberland between 3rd and 4th (gates on several sides)
Date visited: 6/18/11

Equipment: Several zones jumbled together:
  • A large and cheerful cement "ship" set into the ground with platforms and rails to climb about on
  • A water area = sunken square of cement with a pole for spray (off at visit)
  • 4 bucket and 4 strap swings
  • Taller play structure has several kinds of climbing, 1 tall metal slide, and monkey bars
  • Smaller play structure has miscellanious climbing, 1 straight metal slide
One corner of the lot is given over to community gardens that are apparently run by students
Ages: 1-9?
Surface: rubbery/blacktop
Shade(0-3): 1
Water: Y
Other: picnic tables (full size, and mini/kid size under a missing roof), basketball, rec. center with covered area, mural, and bike rack
Access: 6am-10pm listed

Impressions: Lack of shade is a problem here, but for a smallish park the offerings are good in variety, and the shady tables seem welcoming for a family outing. A small amount of wear and graffitti, but beter off than others nearby (no trash, and a team was whacking weeds during our weekend visit). The cement ocean liner seems like a draw for groups of kids with a creative bent.
Overall rating: 6-7

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