Philadelphia Playground Project

Futuristic little playspace: Karen Donnelly Park

2012-02-02T20:58:00.005-05:00

Playground: Karen Donnelly Park
Location: stretches narrowly from Dickinson to Greenwich in the middle of the block between 2nd and 3rd
Date visited: 1/24/12

Equipment: A number of separate sculptural pieces made of futuristic stainless steel, scattered around the artificial grass play space:

A real teeter totter! Metal with spongy rubber bumpers underneath and similar material forming seats on top (seats 4), but the same action as the old wooden ones.
A sort of golf-bal-on-a-tee contraption at calf that seems to spin and bounce up and down. (to sit on?)
A tall pole shaped like a cat-tail stalk, with a disk at the base, which bounces and leans, maybe spins...
A low arch (hanging bar + climbing?)
A large metal dome (screams "king of the hill" game) that channels slide-climbing impulses. [Note: A sign warns that this gets very hot in summer sun.]

material: techno-metal; scale: small
Ages: 0-8?
Surface: astroturf/brick
Shade(0-3): 0 (some young trees)
Water: N
Other: Some cement chess tables with cement benches.
Access: open

Impressions: Cute and innovative use of a tiny park space, but the futuristic play equipment is as much perpexing as inviting -- probably a group of kids would invent novel games around pieces a single preschooler couldn't really figure out how to play with (except for the teeter totter! whee!).
Overall rating: 7

Not terribly inviting: Ford Rec. Center playground

2012-02-02T20:07:00.006-05:00

Playground: Ford Recreation Center
Location: Snyder between 6th and 7th
Date visited: 1/24/12

Equipment: Two zones close together but separately fenced:

A single freestanding metal slide (around 4 feet high) and 2 bucket swings
A medium playset with 4-6-foot platforms, straight metal and spiral plastic slides, straight monkey bars, and a fireman's pole

material: modern; scale: small
Ages: 2-10
Surface: rubbery/cement
Shade(0-3): 0
Water: N
Other: basketball, swimming pool, rec. center building
Access: (not marked)

Impressions: Small play zone tucked into a low-rise block of Snyder is good for a snack but too limited for a longer visit, except maybe for a bucket-swinger. The colorful mural behind the pool is a really nice one, but blowing trash undermines its intended cheer.
Overall rating: 5

Cute neighborhood square: Nichols Park playground

2012-01-13T20:21:00.003-05:00

Playground: Nichols Park playground
Location: Race between 55th and Conestoga
Date visited: 12/31/11

Equipment: Two playsets in a single zone:

Lower playset has some climbing, 2 plastic and 1 metal slide, and a solid bridge
Higher playset has misc. climbing (including a disk ladder, metal rope net), 2 low straight slides and 1 medium bumpy one (all plastic), and a very tall (9-foot?) spiral plastic slide; also a playhouse/store window underneath

Ages:1-8
Surface: rubbery/blacktop (& grass)
Shade(0-3): 1
Water: N
Other: sm. picnic tables, bandstand, extra blacktop with painted games, grassy areas
Access: open park

Impressions: Cute little neighborhood park has a decent mix of play equipment, although a little worn, but nothing really for older kids (e.g., no strap swings or monkey bars). Grassy areas add to the appeal, but there's not enough here to draw visitors from any distance.
Overall rating: 6

Great play and sprayground options: Shepard Rec. Center

2012-01-12T22:17:00.003-05:00

Playground: Shepard Rec. Center
Location: 57th at Westminster (just south of Haverford)
Date visited: 12/31/11

Equipment: Three zones in sight of one another:

New-looking sprayground (fenced) with large colorful towers; looks like several sources of spray
Smaller kid playground area includes (a) 2 hobby horses (zebra and dolphin) that actually rocked (!); (b) a new-looking playset: climbing wall, barrel stave climbing, hanging bar, low (5-ft) monkey bars, solid bridge, crawl-through mesh tunnel, three straight metal slides, and misc. climbing; (c) 4 bucket swings.
Higher playset has novel types of challenging climbing (a twisting ladder, another that I can't describe!), 2 high straight metal slides and 1 wavy plastic one, a fire pole, solid bridge, straight (6-foot) monkey bars, and more. Also 4 strap swings here, although 2 broken.

material: modern; scale: large
Ages: 1-12
Surface: rubbery around equipment; cement and grass elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 1
Water: Y!
Other: pool, baseball field, tennis, basketball, large grassy area, picnic tables (including some covered), large rec. building
Access: not posted (dawn to dusk?)

Impressions: Recently renovated and inviting playground offers a great range of options for all ages, from crawlers to more advanced scramblers, faced by houses on one side and a SEPTA bus garage on the other. Sprayground was off-season a our visit, but looks intriguing and made us want to come back. Shaded picnic tables and expanses of grass make this a good option for a longer family outing, and young trees offer promise of increasing shade over the play equipment. Worth a visit!
Overall rating: 9

A nameless little neighborhood play zone

2012-01-12T22:08:00.002-05:00

Playground: unnamed
Location: on Cherry just east of 56th
Date visited: 12/31/11

Equipment: Single playset, with 3-6-foot platforms, miscellaneous climbing, a long curved stretch of monkey bars, low straight and tall spiral (plastic) slides. A large wooden planter on one side might offer some "walking along the wall" challenge. A little graffitti, but otherwise in good condition.
Ages: 2-10
Surface: rubbery
Shade(0-3): 0
Water: N
Other: --
Access: open

Impressions: A little neighborhood playground surrounded by townhouses and fenced back yards. Good basic single playset (decent for a range of ages), but just a short snack -- no grass or swings for broader explorations.
Overall rating: 6

Token at best: John Barry elementary school playground

2012-01-12T21:49:00.003-05:00

Playground: John Barry elementary
Location: interior of block bounded by Arch and Race, 59th Street and Redfield
Date visited: 12/31/11

Equipment: Mostly just a blacktop lot, aside from one low basketball net and a small playset including two low slides (1 straight, one bumpy) and one higher (spiral) and a climbing wall.
Ages: 1-6?
Surface: blacktop
Shade(0-3): 0
Water: N
Other: --
Access: appear open (= dawn to dusk?)

Impressions: It's hard to imagine that this little equipment is enough for the elementary school students, let alone enough to draw anybody for a visit. Maybe if you've got an antsy kid right nearby, but we didn't even get out of the car for this one!
Overall rating: 4

Packed recreation space in a quiet neighborhood: Barry Playground

2012-01-10T22:02:00.002-05:00

Playground: Barry Playground
Location: 18th and Bigler (NW corner)
Date visited: 12/24/11

Equipment: Two zones slightly separated:

Smaller playset has misc. climbing, straight and curved plastic slides, and a solid bridge. There are also 4 bucket swings in this area.
Larger playset has high platforms, 2 straight metal slides (6-ft) and one spiral plastic slide, 2 jointed bridges at different heights, monkey bars, fireman's pole, etc. Also in this zone are 4 strap swings and a large curved (freestanding) rope climbing net (7-8 feet tall). There's also a low stone wall enclosing this area, which looks fun to walk along.

Ages:1-12
Surface: rubbery/blacktop
Shade(0-3): 0
Water: N
Other: basketball, tennis, swimming pool, baseball, some grassy areas, extra blacktop areas, rec. center
Access: 6am-10pm (pool = 11-7 days, 1-6 wknd)

Impressions: The bigger kid area here feels new and reasonably creative, well kept and clean. The smaller zone is close enough to make it easy to keep an eye on both at once, so this park is good for families with kids of mixed ages. Extra blacktop for kicking a ball, etc., and lots of good recreation space generally. A quiet neighborhood means it feels peaceful to play here, but the lack of shade could be a killer in midsummer.
Overall rating: 8+

A tiny play outpost in a large civic green: Marconi Plaza NW

2012-01-10T21:31:00.005-05:00

Playground: "Marconi Plaza NW" (no offical name)
Location: Oregon & Moyamensing
Date visited: 12/24/11

Equipment: Several pieces in close proximity (enclosed in a low fence):

An old-fashioned geometric dome metal jungle gym, bars spaced widely enough to be only for bigger kids
Swings = 3 strap (outside fence) and 4 bucket (inside)
A small modern playset with hanging bars, a stretch of straight monkey bars, and three plastic slides (2 straight and 1 spiral)

Ages: 1-11
Surface: rubbery around equipment; grass elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 0
Water: N
Other: park
Access: not posted (= dawn to dusk?)

Impressions: Large formal park with lots of trees, but unfortunately located spanning Broad Street and up against busy Oregon and Moyamensing (especially the corner where this equipment is). Park is probably nice in warmer weather, but this northerly playground (there's another in the SE corner of the park, across Broad) feels a little bleak. Bigger kids would probably enjoy the jungle gym if they don't mind the backdrop of constant traffic.
Overall rating: 6

Looks better from a distance: Suffolk Park playground

2011-11-26T20:50:00.005-05:00

Playground: Suffolk Park
Location: open block park -- play equipment closest to Lindbergh Blvd. (but need to park on smaller streets off of 74th)
Date visited: 11/6/11

Equipment: A little gathering of pieces:

One medium (4-foot) metal arched ladder/monkey bars piece
A medium playset with a 4-foot platform, misc. climbing, fireman's pole, straight metal slide, monkey bars, and two hanging bars
Another medium/small playset with easier climbing and two straight metal slides
A swingset with all 6 swings missing

material: modern resin & metal; scale: small
Ages: 1-8
Surface: rubbery around equipment; grass elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 1
Water: N
Other: baseball, soccer/football field, lots of grass!
Access: unfenced (dawn to dusk?)

Impressions: Underloved playground with ok equipment but jarringly absent swings, torn surfacing, and large trash pieces lying around. Big grassy fields are appealing; it's sandwiched beween a small quiet neighborhood and a busy strip-mallish flurry. An ok place for a "play snack" if errands take you this way, but nothing to go out of your way for!
Overall rating: 5

Fotterall Square: a play-snack in Glenwood

2011-11-20T23:35:00.006-05:00

Playground: Fotterall Square
Location: full block between Cumberland and York (N-S) and 11th and 12th (E-W)
Date visited: Nov. 20, 2011

Equipment:

One playset, very worn but functional: miscellaneous climbing (including chain "rope net" style), high and low metal slides, stretch of monkey bars
Nearly swingset with 2 strap and 2 bucket swings (and room for 1 more of each)

Ages: 1-10
Surface: rubbery, surrounded by cement and grass
Shade(0-3): 0
Water: N
Other: cement circle, basketball, baseball field, grassy areas, paths, picnic tables (near Cumberland), additional play area visible across 11th between the PHA towers (not clear if it's public or not)
Access: open square (dawn to dusk?)

Impressions: Pretty good variety for a single small set, nice grassy park with old trees, sandwiched between elevated train tracks and a pair of tall PHA towers. Manages to feel nice, but wouldn't draw you from anywhere outside the neighborhood.
Overall rating: 6

Penrose: climbing-rich playground just north of Temple

2011-11-20T23:14:00.006-05:00

Playground: Penrose
Location: Susquehanna between 11th and 12th
Date visited: Nov. 20, 2011

Equipment:

Single wandering playset (3-4 ft) with miscellaneous climbing (lots!), solid bridge, and 1 straight metal slide
Higher playset (4-6 ft) on other side of building with lots of climbing, medium-height monkey bars, fireman's pole, very tall metal slide
(Used to be a swingset with 4 swings, now all missing)

Ages: 1-9
Surface: rubbery surrounded by blacktop
Shade(0-3): 1
Water: N
Other: rec center, grassy area, tennis, basketball courts, pool
Access: not marked

Impressions: Well-worn but pleasantly varied play equipment. Hard to keep an eye on both spaces at once, for families with well separated ages, but reasonably fun in both spaces (especially for climbers!)
Overall rating: 7

Fairhill Square: smallish playground in a nice park

2011-11-20T22:41:00.005-05:00

Playground: Fairhill Square
Location: Huntingdon between 4th & 5th
Date visited: Nov. 20, 2011

Equipment:

Small broad playset with lots of climbing, 1 short metal slide
Higher playset w/climbing, solid bridge, stretch of monkey bars, and 4 slides (1 tall, 2 medium, and 1 lower)
4 strap and 2 bucket swings

Ages: 1-8
Surface: rubbery, surrounded by cement and grass
Shade(0-3): 1
Water: N
Other: large park with older trees and lots of space (when visited, all but the playground was fenced off for some renovation project); nearby elementary school, which presumably may use the park at times.
Access: open park (dawn to dusk?)

Impressions: Nice-looking but under-inspired group of equipment offers little for the very youngest or oldest kids, but it perfectly fine for medium kids to blow off a little steam. In pretty decent shape -- some graffiti, no trash, when visited.
Overall rating: 6 (may be improved by the return of large grassy areas...)

Torresdale Playground: an open playspace

2011-11-04T23:02:00.004-04:00

Playground: Torresdale Playground
Location: Leon Street (near intersection of Frankford and Grant); parking lot is shared with the golf club across the street
Date visited: 10/8/11

Equipment: Three major zones on opposite sides of the rec building:

Little arches of brick wall separate two tot play areas:
- Low modern playset with 2-3-foot platforms, 3 straight plastic slides, a fireman's pole, and 4 bucket swings nearby
- Second zone has old-style metal equipment pieces, including 3 arched climbing ladders (almost monkey bars), one radial 8-foot radial jungle gym, and a freestanding metal slide (3-4 foot) with its own steps
A large cement circle encloses a water zone, with several sprayers and low curved walls
The larger kid zone (far side of building) has two playsets:
- Higher has misc. climbing, a curved stretch of monkey bars, tall (6-foot) metal slide, 1 strap swing (room for 2)
- Lower playset has lower climbing, 4-foot metal slide, and fireman's pole

Ages: 1.5-10
Surface: rubbery around equipment; cement and grass elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 1
Water: Y
Other: lots of grass, baseball, basketball, tennis, rec. center with covered area in front (also nearby golf course)
Access: 6am-10pm (not fenced)

Impressions: Not cutting edge or unusual, but the mix of spaces and equipment, combined with the expanse of inviting grass and large trees, is appealing. Reasonable range of ages covered, although it would be hard to keep younger and older kids in sight at the same time. Would make a fun afternoon outing, with picnic (and maybe a bathing suit in midsummer) -- we had some good running-around silliness to complement our explorations of the play equipment.
Overall rating: 7

Decent space in the far NE: Holmes Rec Center

2011-11-04T22:45:00.005-04:00

Playground: Holmes Recreation Center
Location: Holme Ave. and Willits Rd.
Date visited: 10/8/11

Equipment: Several pieces in one zone:

Medium playset with miscellaneous climbing (including the barrel staves kind), a missing bridge, straight metal and curved (lower) plastic slides
Medium playset with miscellaneous climbing, medium and tall straight metal slides, and an S-shaped stretch of monkey bars
4 strap swings, and 4 bucket swings

material: worn modern resin/metal; scale: medium
Ages: 1.5-10
Surface: rubbery around equipment; brick or grass elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 1
Water: N
Other: basektball, extensive fields (baseball, football, soccer), small rec. center building, extra grass
Access: not marked (gates were open early on a Saturday)

Impressions: Adequate but underinspired mix of equipment with some parts missing -- and no graffitti but some trash -- sandwiched between two major roads. (There might be a large school on the Academy Road side of the triangle that uses all of this too.) Nice to see so much grass -- good for kids who like to run around -- but nothing to draw anybody from far away.
Overall rating: 6-7

Deserves its name: Hillside Rec. Center

2011-11-04T21:26:00.004-04:00

Playground: Hillside Recreation Center
Location: Fountain St. near Fowler
Date visited: 10/16/11

Equipment: A tightly packed bunch of pieces:

Two hobby horses (horse and toucan)
A low playset with curved plastic and wide metal slides, misc. climbing
4 bucket swings and 4 strap swings
A cement climbing turtle (with handholds on top and a tunnel underneath), old but loved
A higher playset with climbing of various kinds, a high spiral plastic slide and a single metal slide, fireman's pole

material: modern resin/metal; scale: small
Ages: 1-8
Surface: rubbery around equipment; blacktop elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 0
Water: N
Other: basketball, swimming pool, picnic tables, rec. building
Access: (not posted)

Impressions: Decent neighborhood tot lot combined with pool and sports spaces. Nothing broken or missing, but not inspired either, and completely lacking in shade. Nearby elementary school probably uses it some. No houses nearby -- the recreation space is wedged into a slice of land between hard-to-build jungly hillsides, but parking is free on the other side of Fountain Road (and the Ivy Ridge train station is nearby too).
Overall rating: 6-7

Plenty to do for all ages: Kendrick Rec Center

2011-11-04T20:58:00.005-04:00

Playground: Kendrick Rec. Center
Location: SW corner of Ridge and Roxborough Aves (enter from Pensdale)
Date visited: 10/16/11

Equipment: Several separate pieces:

A lower playseet with *lots* of climbing and a double metal slide (around 4 feet)
The larger playset has several platforms at 4-6 feet, lots of climbing, a fireman's pole, several metal slides (tall straight, medium spiral, and medium double), an elevated crawling tube, solid bridge, etc.
A freestanding stretch of monkey bars
4 bucket swings, and room for 4 strap swings (but the latter all missing)

material: modern resin/metal; scale: medium
Ages: 1-11
Surface: rubbery/blacktop
Shade(0-3): 1
Water: N
Other: roller hockey rink, baseball and football field(s), a grassy hill, basketball, tennis, giant rec. center, extra grass
Access: not marked

Impressions: Colorful and interesting equipment in the midst of a large mixed recreational space (we got to watch a game of flag football during our visit), yet sheltered in he interior of the block. Nice.
Overall rating: 8

McGuire Playground: rambly fun tucked away in Fairhill

2011-11-04T20:53:00.005-04:00

Playground: McGuire

Location: Mascher St., just north of Lehigh Ave.

Date visited: 10/1/11

Equipment: 1 large rambly playset with many elements:

low jointed bridge and 3 short solid bridges
4 metal slides = 1 medium straight, 1 high spiral, 2 small straight pairs
lots of climbing, including submarine-style tube climbing
monkey bars (6 feet up)
metal climbing rope net
a few low stools under the playset
fireman's pole

Used to be 6 swings, but all missing

Ages: 2-10

Surface: rubbery surrounded by blacktop

Shade(0-3): 0

Water: N

Other: handball court, basketball (hoops but no nets)

Access: (not posted)

Impressions: Jumble of platforms and ladders is appealing despite its Impressionistic patina of graffiti. Playground needs some attention (chunks of rubbery surface missing, some rust spots on equipment, missing swings), but we had a good time there on a cool fall morning and suspect others would too.

Overall rating: 7

McPherson Square: grassy park with a small playset

2011-11-04T20:42:00.005-04:00

Playground: McPherson Square

Location: Large block-sized park, bounded by E,F on East and West, Clearfield and Indiana North and South

Date visited: 10/1/11

Equipment: 1 small playset in a larger grassy park -- compact but decent: 1 small surved and 1 tall bumpy slide (both plastic), climbing wall (tilted), chain rope net

Ages: 1-7

Surface: rubbery by equipment, surrounded by grass

Shade(0-3): 0

Water: N

Other:some nice trees (away from equipment), library building in center of park, el tracks nearby

Access: (not posted)

Impressions: Too minimal for any sort of trip, but could make a fun "snack" if you were visiting the library branch or doing other business in the area

Overall rating: 7 (for quality), though significantly smaller than average sized

A small playspace in a rolling park: Gorgas tot lot

2011-11-04T20:20:00.006-04:00

Playground: Gorgas Park tot lot
Location: Ridge Ave. at Gates St.
Date visited: 10/16/11

Equipment: A low (1-foot) brick wall surrounds the whole play area (with a tree in the center), which includes:

A lower playset with a wide metal slide, climbable "shop window," and tic tac toe-style spinners (6x5).
A higher playset with three metal slides (a tall single, medium double, and a low double), miscellaneous climbing, fireman's pole, and play stuff underneath (benches, double bus wheel, tic tac toe).
Swingset, with 2 bucket and 2 strap swings.

material: modern resin + metal; scale: small
Ages: 1-8
Surface: rubbery inside play area
Shade(0-3): 3
Water: N
Other: picnic table, large park with lots of grass and trees, bandstand
Access: open (dawn to dusk+)

Impressions: Simple playground in an inviting park setting with rolling hills and lots of mature trees. More for the younger set (no monkey bars or greater challenges), but great for a family picnic or to hear a regional band play. Great shade and breeze for a hot day (although a bit brisk at the time of our fall visit).
Overall rating: 7

Hissey Center: zone for the smaller set in Kensington

2011-11-04T20:06:00.005-04:00

Playground: Hissey Center

Location: Indiana Ave. & Budinot St.

Date visited: 10/1/11

Equipment:

Medium-height small platform with straight metal slide and several ladders
Several cement climbing animals ranging from a foot-high turtle (perfect for crawlers) to a standing turtle, and sitting elephant & camel
Four bucket swings
Higher playset with miscellaneous climbing and 1 tall straight metal slide
Several large zones of rubbery surface with no equipment (maybe used to have 1 set of swings and 1 other piece?)

material: modern res/metal; scale: large

Ages: 0-7

Surface: rubbery, separated by blacktop

Shade(0-3): 2

Water: N

Other: basketball, baseball field (?) and extra grass, extra blacktop

Access: (not posted)

Impressions: Nicely shaded playground looks a little forgotten--missing equipment makes you think less of the small pieces that remain. In fact, what's here is probably pretty good for the smallest set (especially toddlers), although some broken glass may keep crawlers from playing at liberty here.

Overall rating: 5

A wooded escape: Allen's Lane Park

2011-09-27T21:55:00.003-04:00

Playground: Allen's Lane Park playground
Location: Allen's Lane between McCallum and Green (can enter from the street or park near the Art Center)
Date visited: 9/3/11

Equipment: Multiple pieces of equipment scattered within one longish zone (a little like a summer camp obstacle course):

A small climbing net/rope wall
A set of tunnel tubes elevated around 1 foot off the ground on half rubber tires
Hanging bars at two heights
A narrow, curved balance beam
A small playset, made of wood, including a jointed bridge, treehouse, two low plastic slides, a steering wheel, a set of lowish (4 ft?) wide monkey bars, and a small climbing wall
The taller playset has a tall spiral and a lower curved (plastic) slides, misc. climbing, a fireman's pole, and "shop windows" underneath
A zip-line set-up
4 bucket swings, 2 plank swings, and a horizontally mounted tire swing (set by itself)

material: modern or as marked; scale: large
Ages: 1-10
Surface: wood chips around equipment; grass elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 3
Water: N
Other: picnic tables, tennis courts, basketball (far side of art center)
Access: 6AM-10PM

Impressions: A nice range of equipment in a cool and inviting wooded setting, with offerings for crawlers through tweens, and places for parents to stroll, sit, picnic, or play tennis. Cool on a hot day, with rich plantings and a summer campy feel that made us want to linger. Worth a trip.
Overall rating: 9

Play yard for a high-rise: Wissahickon playground

2011-09-22T22:23:00.003-04:00

Playground: Wissahickon (not Kelly, as Google thinks!)
Location: Pulaski between W. Penn and W. Queen
Date visited:9/3/11

Equipment: Two smallish zones, separately fenced:

Smaller kid area has (a) 3 space pods (low climbing) linked by "tunnels" (sort of bridges caged with bars), and (b) a jungle-gym made of wood and metal, including a metal chain "rope net" for climbing, a wide metal slide, fireman's pole, and a wide metal tube/pipe for climbing or sliding through.
Higher structures include a solid bridge, misc. climbing (including a chain "rope net"), curved set of monkey bars, and two tall straight metal slides. Also 4 strap swings in this area.

material: modern or as marked; scale: large space, med. play area
Ages: 2-10
Surface: rubbery around equipment, blacktop elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 0
Water: N
Other: picnic tables, basketball, large blacktop area (& handball?)
Access: open access (dawn to dusk?)

Impressions: Apparently public playground is in fact at the base of a large chainlink-covered apartment building, and probably serves primarily as the recreation space for the families who live there. Average assortment of equipment (although it was fun to see some different materials in the one zone), with quite a bit of blowing trash, wouldn't be a particular draw from elsewhere.
Overall rating: 6

A local Northwest favorite: Cloverly Park

2011-09-22T21:37:00.005-04:00

Playground: Cloverly Park
Location: Wissahickon at School House Lane
Date visited: 9/3/11

Equipment: Several pieces in a quadrant of the park:

Swings: 4 bucket (well shaded) and 4 strap
A stegosaurus playset for tots, comprising 2 straight plastic slides, misc. easier climbing, and playspace/tunnels underneath
A larger playset has a long curved stretch of monkey bars, a zip line, two medium bumpy and one high curved slides (all plastic), a "bottomless" rail slide, and good climbing
A little toddler-sized table and chairs, not permanent but clearly long-time residents, were right nearby

material: modern resin/metal; scale: medium space
Ages: 1-12
Surface: woodchips around equipment; grass elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 2
Water: N
Other: picnic table, large grassy area, mature trees (some of which seem climbable by older kids)
Access: open park (dawn to dusk?)

Impressions: Small, well-kept neighborhood park with lots of soft grass and a mix of beautiful mature trees (some of which sparked our climbing urges, to no avail) and scattered flower gardens. Deceptively simple equipment is in fact well chosen, with offerings for a range of ages. A good place for a picnic and/or a leisurely afternoon...
Overall rating: 8-9

Fun but a little exposed: Gathers Rec. Center playground

2011-08-23T22:05:00.003-04:00

Playground: Hank Gathers, Jr., playground
Location: Diamond at Glenwood (near 25th)
Date visited: 8/6/11

Equipment: One zone containing several pieces:

The lower playset is very low, with a wide straight and a curved plastic slide, tic-tac-toe

The higher playset has 4-6-foot platforms, a long straight metal slide, misc. climbing, and a fireman's pole.

4 bucket and 4 strap swings

A water sprayer zone (single tall pole, not on at visit)

material: modern resin/metal; scale: medium space
Ages: 1-8
Surface: rubbery/blacktop
Shade(0-3): 0
Water: Y
Other: basketball, grassy areas, pool, ball field, blacktop, rec. center
Access: not posted

Impressions: Decent set of offerings in a pleasant setting, but very short on shade; some recently planted trees may help in a few years (if they get enough water to get established). Equipment is weathered but not graffittied or broken. Good for a range of ages, but not best callenges for the older set. Note: water ice and ribs both available across the street!
Overall rating: 7

A pleasant gateway to the Park: Mander playground

2011-08-23T21:40:00.004-04:00

Playground: Mander Playground
Location: on 33rd at Diamond
Date visited: 8/6/11

Equipment: Three main sections:

A playset with 4-5-foot platforms, misc. climbing, a straight metal slide, monkey bars, and a curved plastic slide. Also 4 strap swings in this area.

A pair of cement seals = crossed water sprayers.

A playset with 3-4-foot platforms, a solid bridge, lower climbing, and two metal slides (one low and curved and one straight and wide). Set of 4 bucket swings here (1 missing).

material: modern resin/metal; scale: large space
Ages: 1-6
Surface: rubbery around equipment; blacktop elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 1
Water: Y
Other: picnic tables, basketball court, large ball field (baseball and soccer), muraled rec. center, tennis, pool (full at visit), extra blacktop... transitions into the fields of Fairmount Park.
Access: no gates (presumably dawn to dusk)

Impressions: Large playground connected to an extensive park recreation zone (that shades into the fields of Fairmount Park). Colorful and busy, but the playsets are pretty low and lacking in challenges/fun for older kids (other than one stretch of monkey bars). Easy to combine with the pool, a picnic, or any other Park-friendly activity.
Overall rating: 7

Piccoli: Nice Juniata playground with a wading pool bonus

2011-08-04T21:42:00.004-04:00

Playground: Piccoli

Location: Cayuga St. and Castor Ave.

Date visited: 8/4/11

Equipment:

Little-kid play area in its own fenced-in area. Includes smallish platform-style playset with steps and 2 ladders (including a bigger-than-average quarter-barrel), "spaceship" with central ladder entry, free-standing tall metal turning slide that gave a particularly good ride, a bucket swing (1 missing), and 2 non-functioning "hobby horses" (too stiff)
Bigger-kid play area (smallish): platform-style with 3 ladders, 2 slides (metal straight, plastic turning-style), and a set of monkey bars. Nearby are 8 (!) strap swings
In between the two play areas is a large sprinkler/6-inch-deep wading pool (20-foot wide pool with a central sprinkler pole and one seal sprayer on the edge (another was broken)).

Ages:1-1/2 to 8 years

Surface: rubberized (worn) around play areas

Shade(0-3): 0

Water: Y (sprinkler/wading pool)

Other: Rec center, pool, baseball field

Access: rec center hours = 9 AM-10:30 PM in summer, 2-10:30 PM otherwise.

Impressions: Nice spread-out zone, and the wading pool is a big plus (though I might be biased by the fact that my daughter was super-into rollicking in shallow water on the day we visited). Equipment is a bit worn but fine -- nothing particularly novel, but good standard equipment (somewhat better offerings for smaller kids than bigger kids).

Overall rating: 7

Ferko: Quite extensive playground in a massive park in Juniata

2011-08-04T21:14:00.005-04:00

Playground: Ferko playground and sprayground

Location: Cayuga St. and J St.

Date visited: 8/4/11

Equipment:

Big rambly platform-style playset with multiple stations connected by bridges (or, in one case, raised stepping stools). Lots of ladders (maybe 8?), including two "submarine-style" where you climb up through a 360-degree ladder to a platform above and a few other novel types (including one that twists 180-degrees along its length). Has 1 tall turning slide and 3 small slides, and a set of monkey-bar loops that follows a quarter-circle bend.
Swings in a separate zone -- 3 strap swings and 2 bucket swings (1 seemed broken)

Ages: 1-1/2 to 9 years old

Surface: rubberized around play area

Shade(0-3): 2

Water: Y (colorful sprayground)

Other: Rec center, tree-filled park, ballfield, sprayground (not on when visited at 11:30 AM on a summer Thursday)

Access: surrounded by low fence, but probably open at all times (though presumably only dawn-to-dusk allowed).

Impressions: The playground in the middle of a very large park zone (at least 6 blocks long) and that plus the effect of the multiple stations in the play equipment makes for very good aesthetics. The equipment itself is pretty extensive with a few novel features, but is showing quite a lot of wear. The sprayground seems quite new and is a major plus when it's on (it wasn't when we visited).

Overall rating: 8

Simpson playground: Aesthetically appealing corner of Frankford, with particularly good play options for littler kids

2011-08-04T20:52:00.005-04:00

Playground: Simpson

Location: Arrott St. at Northwood St. (near Castor Ave.)

Date visited: 8/4/11

Equipment:

Playset for smaller kids (large): platform-style with a long bridge, 4 ladders, 2 slides. Also in the smaller-kid zone is a dolphin "hobby horse" that actually works (a rarity) and 4 bucket swings
Playset for bigger kids (small): platform-style with steps, 3 ladders, a long metal slide, and a firepole. 2 strap swings nearby

Ages: 1-8

Surface: rubberized around play equipment

Shade(0-3): 1 (just a bit on the fringe of each zone)

Water: Sort of/maybe (there is a pool nearby, and also a sprinkler pole in the center of a 10-foot wide circular pool (6 inches deep) that was full when visited, but I couldn't tell if it was rainwater or from recent use, nor if the drain was just clogged)

Other: rec center, pool, basketball court, baseball field, park across the street

Access: rec center hours (9 AM-10:30 PM in summer, 2-10:30 PM otherwise)

Impressions: Very pleasant setting with the two play areas wrapped around the rec center, surrounded by other large open areas, especially the tree-filled park across the (fairly busy) street. Equipment is in decent shape (though some graffiti and wear to the rubberized ground-surface): nothing superlative, but a solid set of options, especially for little kids. Bigger kids might find the play options limited, but maybe they'd be in the pool while their smaller siblings took advantage of the playground?

Overall rating: 7 (probably an 8 for smaller kids)

Deni playground: Decent but minimal option in Frankford

2011-08-04T20:33:00.006-04:00

Playground: Deni

Location: Leiper & Church (also an entrance on Leiper and Ruan)

Date visited: 8/4/11

Equipment:

Playset for smaller kids (on the small side): platform-style, with 3 ladders and 2 slides
Playset for bigger kids: platform-style, with 4 ladders and 1 metal slide (with many dents), plus a fire pole and a slightly slanted 6-foot climbing wall
2 bucket swings, 4 strap swings

Ages: 1-1/2 to 8 yrs

Surface: rubberized in playzones

Shade(0-3): 0

Water: No

Other: 6 basketball courts (with a sloped side), baseball field

Access: Unclear -- the whole zone is surrounded by high fences, with gates on two sides that could be locked. Didn't see posted hours -- was open at 10:30 AM on a summer Wednesday

Impressions: Playsets are on the minimal side, and showing some wear. The overall location is a fairly appealing open space, though more concrete than foliage (except for the baseball field). The basketball courts seem to have been refurbished fairly recently: new paint on the courts, nice lights for night play. The playground could use similar love.

Overall rating: 6

Snaking through the neighborhood: West Mill Creek playground

2011-08-03T22:55:00.002-04:00

Playground: West Mill Creek rec. center
Location: at 51st on Parrish (which dead-ends into it from east and west)
Date visited: 7/24/11

Equipment: Several pieces:

Low playset with various climbing (including a ladder of steps), jointed bridge, double metal slide

High playset with miscellaneous climbing, including two submarine-style central ladders, a jointed bridge, spiral metal slide, curve of monkey bar rings, two low and one medium metal slides, and a balance platform (also something missing -- a bridge? -- leaving one low platform stranded/pointless nearby)

Smallest playset has solid bridge and curved plastic slide (along with climbing)

Tons of swings (6 strap and 6 bucket), several broken, most wrapped around pole

All modern equipment, relatively compact, although there is a water zone SE of the main playground (circular cement area with sprayer pole) and other rec. zones N and S
Ages: 1-9?
Surface: rubbery around equip; blacktop elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 0
Water: Y (beyond main playground)
Other: little rec. building, square picnic tables, ball field, basketball
Access: 9am-10:30p (2-10:30 winter)

Impressions: Charming nook playground and recreation space winds its way in a gap between dead-end/turnaround streets. Lots of offerings, some creative, but appears poorly looked after -- no graffitti or trash, but tangled swings and understaffed rec. center (a local asked me how to get somebody to turn the water feature on during the heat wave!) makes this less useful for neighbors than it otherwise would be. Still, it speaks well for the creativity of the Parks Department to find such narrow holes in residential zones to turn into fun outlets for kids.
Overall rating: 7

Some shade for tots: Mill Creek playground

2011-08-03T22:22:00.003-04:00

Playground: Mill Creek rec. center
Location: Brown & 47th (SW corner)
Date visited: 7/24/11

Equipment: Three zones:

Large playset with medium height monkey bars (curved upward! ack!), a solid bridge, misc. climbing, and 2 tall straight metal slides. Also here a freestanding old-fashioned metal jungle gym piece and space for several strap swings (none present), and some additional blacktop.

Smaller kid zone, fenced: a low playset with a wide metal slide, barrel slat-style climbing, a low hanging bar, etc. Also two bucket swings in this area.

Water zone between the others (but closer to the tot zone) -- cement circle ringed with cement benches, one central dandelion-shaped sprayer (not yet on at time of visit).

material: modern resin/metal; scale: med. playspace in a larger recreation zone
Ages: 1-9
Surface: rubbery around equipment; blacktop elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 1 (smaller kids zone + water)
Water: Y
Other: pool (full: free swim 2-5, family swim 6-7; overall 11-7 weekdays and 1-6 weekends), basketball, large grassy/baseball field, colorful rec. center, small square cement tables with chairs
Access: summer 9:00am-10:30pm; winter 2p-10:30p

Impressions: Decent equipment in the setting of a pleasant rec. center and lot. No obvious graffitti or trash issues, but the missing strap swings speak to some level of neglect or abuse. Nicely shaded tot zone and promising water feature (also mostly shaded, a rarity). Also nice to see a full pool for a change!
Overall rating: 6

Two play lots among three towers: Lee Park complex

2011-08-03T21:33:00.004-04:00

Playground: Lee Park playground(s)
Location: from Powelton, take Holden and loop behind towers (to right) on unnamed road to parking right near playground
Date visited: 7/24/11

Equipment: Two small fenced playgrounds, in sight of one another:

Higher playset, colorful -- 4 plastic slides of various heights (1 curved, 1 spiral), monkeybar rings (2 sets), two longish tunnel bridges, various climbing including a metal rope net, shop window underneath, and ball bearing toy.

Smaller playset -- 1 set of double straight plastic slides and one single, tunnel bridge, ball bearing toy, climb-through hoops underneath, some simple climbing

material: modern resin/metal/plastic; scale: small play spaces in larger area of grass and walkways
Ages: 1-10 (larger), 1-4 (smaller)
Surface: rubbery throughout
Shade(0-3): 0
Water: N
Other: lots of grassy areas with shade, tennis (without nets); also nearby Drexel sports complex
Access: open (dawn to desk)

Impressions: Loose trash is blowing throughout this extensive housing complex (three tall towers), but the two playgrounds offer a colorful and inviting outlet for kids. Overall offerings a little slim, and lack of swings seems a major oversight, but the tunnel bridges are unusual and nice for both bigger kids and for crawlers.
Overall rating: 6

Great playspace for tots, plus a sprayground: Parkside-Evans

2011-07-17T21:10:00.006-04:00

Playground: Parkside-Evans rec. center
Location: Parkside Road @ 53rd
Date visited: 7/16/11

Equipment: A number of separate pieces scattered around a medium playspace:

A modern teeter-totter
Two spinning seats, one modified cup-style and the other a platform
A stegosaurus-shaped small playset with easy climbing and a double plastic slide
A firetruck hobby horse, with two seats -- actualy rocks too!
A freestanding 6-foot spiral slide with its own stairs/ladder
Larger playset, but low, with tunnel/playhouse features underneath, an unusual rubbery bridge, low double (straight) and higher single (spiral) plastic slides, various climbing including a barrel-stave style ladder
Swings (4 strap and 2 bucket)
A fenced sizeable sprayground with two pillars and numerous pavement sprayers (not on at time of visit; also has activation pillar)

material: modern resin/metal
Ages: 1-7?
Surface: rubbery woodchips
Shade(0-3): 0
Water: Y
Other: shaded stone picnic benches and grassy areas (on other side of rec. center building), basketball (little league game during on the courts at time of our visit), tennis (8 courts)
Access: not posted, but not fenced (dawn to dusk?)

Impressions: Creative playspace for younger kids is colorful and inviting, and pairing with nearby grass, shade, and picnic tables could make a nice outing. Looks recently renovated and well maintained. Limited offerings for kids older than 6 or 7, but worth a trip for toddlers or when the sprayground is active.
Overall rating: 8* (youngest kids only)

Colorful new playspace: Clemente Rec. Center

2011-07-14T22:03:00.004-04:00

Playground: Clemente
Location: 18th between Wallace & Mt. Vernon (entrances on three sides)
Date visited: 7/9/11

Equipment: Two playsets, in the same general area:

Lower (marked for ages 2-5) has platforms around 4 feet high, misc. climbing (including one unusual rounded-step stair/ladder that would be good for newer climbers), a jointed bridge, two straight metal slides, and a gear toy underneath
Higher (marked ages 5-12) has 4-6-foot platforms, misc. climbing, a narrow solid bridge/beam, short and tall straight (metal) slides and a tall (metal) spiral, and a large section of rope net/web-style jungle gym. There's also some tyke gear (bench, bus wheel, tunnel) underneath.

There are also swings in the play zone (4 bucket + 4 strap). A separate area nearby is a full sprayground, with a colorful palm tree-style central element and numerous spray heads embedded in the pavement around a wide cement oval (that will work in a patterned dance); there's a pole sensor for activation by hand waving, etc. [This was not active at time of visit due to some valves that needed fixing. Will have specific hours shorter than overall playground hours; see below.]
material: modern metal/rope, scale: med. space
Ages: 1-11
Surface: large rubberized zone and blacktop beyond
Shade(0-3): 0 (maybe some in mornings)
Water: Y
Other: basketball court, square picnic tables, muraled rec. center, adjacent baseball field, colorful plantings and some grassy areas
Access: still being decided: at least 9am-9pm for the playground (maybe as early as 8am, depending on volunteer logistics); water will be 11-7

Impressions: Colorful and well-designed mix of offerings in a newly renovated (July 5 opening!) playground. Oldest kids might find the climbing web a challenge, but no monkey bars or zip lines to add more. Tots and elementary ages should have plenty to do. Worth a special trip, and appears to have a staff of dedicated volunteers who will keep it presentable for some time.
Also note: there's a coffee shop/creperie a block east on Wallace, if anybody needs refueling...
Overall rating: 9

A magical hidden playspace: Greenfield School

2011-07-07T21:19:00.004-04:00

Playground: Greenfield School play yard
Location: Sansom between 22nd and 23rd (entrances on all 3 streets)
Date visited: 7/2/11

Equipment: A number of separate pieces and features scattered around the space:

A metal "rope net" climbing feature
Two freestanding spinning platforms (for sitting or standing)
A "zip line" sliding ring
Several random manmade hillocks for climbing and clambering
Large playset with miscellaneous climbing (a range of challenges), low curved and high spiral plastic slides, a solid bridge, fire pole, and curved stretch of "monkey bar" rings
A freestanding cylindrical jungle gym

material: modern, or as described; scale: several zones in a medium (half-block) space
Ages: 1-11?
Surface: rubbery or blacktop
Shade(0-3): 1
Water: N
Other: Smallish basketball net and half court, various painted games and other features on the blacktop spaces
Access: Not posted, no gates

Impressions: Recently renovated school yard has a creative mix of challenges landscaped into a colorful and inviting terrain of rubbery hills (enchanting to our 3.5-year-old), wandering paths, garden plantings, and interspersed trees (established and new). Many of the latest gizmos, in good shape, out of sight of the traffic -- lack of swings is the one surprising omission here, especially for those with younger tots in tow.
Overall rating: 8

Like playing in somebody's back yard: Coxe Park

2011-07-07T21:04:00.004-04:00

Playground: Coxe Park
Location: Cherry betwen 21st and 22nd (on a little pedestrian streetway)
Date visited: 7/2/11

Equipment: A few small pieces near one another:

A tall spiral slide (ladder requires some bravery/oversight) of painted metal
A teeter-totter with hobby horse seats on each end -- usable by one or two riders
A metal jungle gym including monkey bars and 2 fireman's poles
A cement dolphin that can be climbed on
Swings -- 5 bucket with older-style chain lap-belts

material: mostly metal; scale of space: quite small
Ages: 1-7
Surface: rubbery around equipment; cement elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 3
Water: N
Other: nearby but separate fenced area with benches, closed street could be good for bikes or skateboards
Access: open street (but 20 feet from people's windows, so not too late)

Impressions: Cute little neighborhood nook shaded by mature treed and faced by a row of neat townhouses. Sort of a snack as playgrounds go, but might provide a brief diversion amid errands nearby, and shady benches would be nice for lunch, a snack, or a quick book.
Overall rating: 7 for cuteness, but 5 for offerings

Friendly but shadeless: Nelson playground

2011-06-28T22:00:00.003-04:00

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

Doing a fair amount with a small space: Waterloo Playground

2011-06-28T21:29:00.004-04:00

Playground: Waterloo Playground
Location: on Howard between Cumberland and Huntington (playground is close to Cumberland)
Date visited: 6/18/11

Equipment: Two zones, on separate sides of the rec. center building:

Large playset has 5-6-foot platforms with many types of climbing and one straight metal slide, fireman pole, etc. A set of 4 strap swings is nearby.

Smaller playset has 3-4-foot platforms, a solid bridge, one straight metal slide, and several kinds of climbing. 4 bucket swings and 2 hobby horses (pelican and jet; they actually move!) nearby.

Material: modern resin & metal; scale: smallish spaces in med. recreation space
Ages: 1-7
Surface: rubbery/blacktop
Shade(0-3): 1
Water: N
Other: pool (empty at time of visit, but a neighbor said it would open the 2nd week in July), basketball, lots of extra blacktop (painted for hopscotch and more), grassy area nearby with picnic table, small rec. building with many coats of anti-graffitti spraypaint
Access: ?

Impressions: Playground and recreation space wound into the inside of a block -- play spaces for younger and older kids are separated, making it hard for a parent to keep watch on both, but in decent shape and well contained (if you overlook some trash). A little short on variety (few slides, no hanging, etc.) and clearly under continual graffitti assault.
Overall rating: 6

Well-intentioned but poorly upkept: Norris Square Park playground

2011-06-28T20:14:00.005-04:00

Playground: Norris Square Park
Location: Park is a full city block between Hancock and Howard, Diamond and Susquehanna; playground is in the middle.
Date visited: 6/18/11

Equipment: Two swingsets, with a total of four strap and four bucket swings. Additionally two playsets close together:

A large play structure with lots of climbing, curved and spiral plastic slides, one solid and one jointed bridge, monkey bars (both straight and a curved stretch of hanging rings that make up another set), a zip line (with no pully/ring), and a chain "rope net" for climbing. Also benches, store window, and other stuff for littler kids underneath.

Lower playset that is just steps up to a platform (!) -- slide or something else is gone and boarded over.

material: weathered "modern resin and metal"; scale of space: medium in larger park
Ages: 2-10
Surface: rubbery around equipment; blacktop elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 0
Water: N
Other: lots of grassy areas, some blacktop area (good for skateboards or bikes), low/broad circular bench around play area looks fun to walk along, gazebo area with stone picnic tables, cheerfully muralled shed; basketball across park
Access: open (= dawn to dusk?)

Impressions: Well-designed but brutally worn playground in the (shadeless) center of a grassy park that offers pleasant shade but quite a bit of trash and graffitti. The equipment could use some love, especially additions to the smaller structure to give it some purpose and make the place more welcoming to younger visitors. Good for climbers, but feels a little bleak.
Overall rating: 6

In need of an upgrade: Conestoga playground

2011-06-16T21:04:00.004-04:00

Playground: Conestoga

Location: Media St. and 53rd St.

Date visited: Jun. 12, 2011

Equipment:

Very minimal small kids' zone: tiny "spaceship" (can crawl into but ridiculously low), old free-standing metal slide, 1 bucket swing
Big kids' zone -- platform-style playset with stairs, 4 ladders, 2 fire poles, and a pretty big metal slide (note, however, that at the top of the slide, there's a big dropoff with no guardrail), plus an old semicircular climbing apparatus, and 2 strap swings

Ages: 2-6

Surface: rubberized by play areas

Shade(0-3): 1

Water: No

Other: Basketball court, playing field (football while we were there), rec center

Access: Unknown

Impressions: Sorely in need of an upgrade, especially the small kids' zone, which has very little in it and is very rundown. (I'll grant that things weren't helped by the fact that we visited just after a rainy day, so there were big moldy puddles on and near the slide.) The big kids' zone is fine -- routine equipment in OK shape. Some efforts seem to have been made to improve the feel of the space -- like a Sesame St. mural on the rec center -- but this site could really use a bigger-scale effort, either by the city or a philanthropic organization.

Overall rating: 4

Schoolyard climbing gem: Edward Heston School

2011-06-16T20:44:00.005-04:00

Playground: Edward Heston Elementary School

Location: Lancaster between 52nd and 54th (also an entrance on Lansdowne)

Date visited: Jun. 12, 2011

Equipment:

Small kids' zone -- cute but very small, just stairs, a ladder, and 2 slides
Big kids' zone -- Brightly decorated/gabled platform-style playset with 2 ladders (a coil ladder and a step ladder), 3 slides (1 turning), a jointed bridge, a U-shaped ladder bridge, and monkey bars. Also a sizable climbing wall (maybe 6 feet tall?), and a tie line.

Ages: 1-10

Surface: rubberized -- very sandy on the day visited, for no obvious reason

Shade(0-3): 0

Water: No

Other: Schoolyard with three basketball hoops

Access:Unknown. There are gates that could presumably be locked outside of school hours, though all were open when we visited on a Sunday morning.

Impressions: Small kids' zone is minimal -- not worth an independent visit (and, honestly, doesn't really seem sufficient for the kids in the school). In contrast, the big kids' zone is quite nice, with lots of novel climbing options in particular (the U-shaped ladder, climbing wall, monkey bars, tie line). Location is not so aesthetic given that it's right on Lancaster, though the big playset is brightly decorated and the school has attractive and huge murals.

Overall rating: 7

Reliable standard in Overbrook: Baker playground

2011-06-15T22:48:00.004-04:00

Playground: Baker

Location: Lansdowne & Conestoga (enter on Lansdowne -- there's also an entrance on Hunter, on the north side of the block)

Date visited: 6/12/11

Equipment:

Small kids' zone: platform-style playset with 2 ladders (coil and quarter circle) and 3 slides; this zone also has 2 hobby horses, turtle statue for climbing, spinning cup, and 4 strap swings (1 deformed)
Big kids' zone: platform-style playset with 4 ladders, 2 slides, jointed bridge, firepole, and monkey bars; zone also includes 4 strap swings

Ages: 1-8

Surface: rubberized around play area

Shade(0-3): 0 (maybe a little in small kids' zone)

Water: No

Other: Rec center, swimming pool (seemed abandoned when visited on a Sunday in June), basketball court

Access: Posted rec dept hours: 9 AM-10:30 PM in summer, 2-10:30 PM otherwise

Impressions: Reasonable range of equipment, but some sense of age and disrepair in the big-kid zone (it doesn't help aesthetically that the gazebo at the center of the playground has a collapsing roof, nor to see the swimming pool filled with plant matter rather than water). The small kids' zone does have a few nice extras.

Overall rating: 6

Halfway toward renewal: Miles Mack

2011-06-15T22:27:00.005-04:00

Playground: Miles Mack

Location: 36th & Aspen

Date visited: Jun. 11, 2011

Equipment:

Newer zone -- platforms, bumpy ramp, 3 ladders, 2 slides (1 turning), "deli counter", curvy bridge, 2 bucket swings, 4 strap swings
Older zone -- 2 ladders, 2 slides, monkey bars, fire pole, two metal climbing appartus (one is two perpendicular semicircles, the other a tall tower of metal bars); this zone also has an abandoned swingset (with no remaining swings)

Ages: 1 1/2 to 7 years old

Surface: rubberized squares around playsets

Shade(0-3): 0

Water: Yes -- circular zone with a spraying pole

Other: rec center, basketball court, baseball field

Access: Posted rec dept hours 9 AM-10:30 PM summer, 2-10:30 PM otherwise

Impressions: Older zone is minimal and rundown. Newer zone is pretty nice, but really only for smaller kids. Overall, the space is fairly large, but a bit bleak/underdeveloped. A nice spot for some future development by the city or others.

Overall rating: 6

Gem just around the corner from the zoo: Clemens & Lewis

2011-06-15T21:51:00.009-04:00

Playground: Clemens & Lewis

Location: 38th & Poplar (just South of Girard)

Date visited: Jun. 11, 2011

Equipment:

Small kids' zone features a fire truck playset (low hanging bars, clambering tires, slide, and a raised platform), as well as 4 bucket swings, 2 hobby horses (1 of which actually worked, unlike most we've seen), and a longish low tunnel
Big kids' zone included a large playset (many ladders, several bridges, 3 slides--including 1 turning slide--2 "ladder bridges", climbing wall, and loop monkey bars), 2 1-person "spinners" mounted on the ground, and 4 strap swings

Ages: 1-10

Surface: rubberized by play areas

Shade(0-3): 1 (only on bigger kids' playset)

Water: Y? broken-looking dragon sprayer

Other: 4 small picnic tables, basketball court, lots of bike-riding space (including sloped wall behind basketball court), rec center

Access: Posted Rec Dept hours: 9 AM- 10:30 PM summer, 2-10:30 PM otherwise

Impressions: A bit rundown/weedy, but equipment is in good shape. The small kids' zone is not extensive, but the fire truck is a nice apparatus (may be slightly biased by the fact that our child is currently obsessed with low monkey bars). Big kids' zone is quite large with a fun range of equipment. Setting is not too scenic -- up against train tracks, and the particular block you can see from the playground is a bit rundown, but it's a cozy small neighborhood tucked among the train tracks, Rte. 76, and the zoo.

Overall rating: 8-9

A hidden nook for smaller kids: Shissler Recreation Center

2011-05-29T17:11:00.005-04:00

Playground: Daniel Shissler Recreation Center
Location: 1 block west of Frankford (=Blair) between Berks and Montgomery; right behind Kensington Performing Arts High School
Date visited: 5/29/11

Equipment: Two apparent zones:

One appears to be a water zone, with a cement surface and three cement animals set up as sprayers. (Smallest turtles might offer something to the crawler set even when off.) Trickles of water indicated that these should be functional, but they were not spraying at the time of our visit
Playzone has (1) a smaller playset with several types of climbing (including a large arch of barrel-slat ladder good for newer climbers) and a set of double metal slides; (2) the larger playset has tall monkey bars, various climbing, and another set of double metal (straight) slides

material: modern resin & metal; scale: small
Ages:1-9
Surface: rubbery around equipment; cement elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 2
Water: Y
Other: rec center, basketball courts, large baseball field (marked "closed until August 2011"), large new parking lot (shared with the highschool? for baseball?), grassy lot across the street
Access: 6am - 10pm

Impressions: Small and limited to younger kids (except, perhaps, the monkey bars), but servicable for those. No swings is a minus; water could be nice, but no idea when it runs. Out of the way enough that it probably appeals mostly to those who live nearby, or who make a stop at the Berks station of the Market-Frankford line (accessible by a paved path).
Overall rating: 6-

Decent but lonely: Towey Recreation Center

2011-05-29T16:59:00.003-04:00

Playground: Towey Recreation Center
Location: Howard & Berks (SW corner)
Date visited: 5/29/11

Equipment: Several pieces in one medium play zone:

Lower playset (3-4 foot platforms) is unusually big, with lots of climbing of varying difficulty, one plastic curved slide and one straight metal slide, short fireman's pole, and monkey bars.
Several "hobby horse" animals, very stiff
Swings -- 4 strap and 2 bucket (one missing)
Higher playset (5-6 foot platforms) with many climbing ladders and one tall straight metal ladder

material: modern resin & metal
Ages: 1-10
Surface: rubbery around equipment (some holes under monkey bars) and blacktop elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 2
Water: N
Other: baketball rec center with bright abstract mural, handball courts, extra blacktop
Access: open (dawn to dusk)

Impressions: Decent equipment, but covered with graffitti and surrounded by loose trash -- the feeling is dingy even though everything is in functional shape and our 3-year-old had a good time. Faced mostly by the back sides of residential buildings (so it feels more industrial than it is); we enjoyed the crowing of a rooster from a nearby yard.
Overall rating: 6-7

Fishtown Rec Center: A blast of color

2011-05-29T16:32:00.005-04:00

Playground: Fishtown Rec Center

Location: Palmer St. and Flora St. (just north of Girard on Palmer); another entrance is on Montgomery and Flora (again, just north of Girard on Montgomery).

Date visited: 5/29/11

Equipment:

Smaller playset with lots of climbing, 1 wide plastic curved and 1 straight metal slide
Taller playset with climbing, monkey bars, fireman's pole, and a straight metal slide
6 strap swings (1 broken) and 2 bucket swings
3 hobby horse critters (too stiff to rock much, as most seem to be)
2 sit 'n' spin platforms with poles (1 semi-broken/wobbly)
central "hill" with brick sides, some raised bricks to make a slanted climbing wall
circle with stone tower water units (not on when visited on a Sunday morning in May)

Ages: 1-10

Surface: rubberized by most play areas, blacktop elsewhere

Shade(0-3): 0

Water: Yes (small area with stone tower sprayers)

Other: roller-hockey rink, rec center with large covered area, basketball courts, picnic tables, lib outdoor concert area (maybe?) with tables and benches, library across Montgomery St.

Access: Probably dawn to dusk

Impressions: Clearly a well-loved playground: every inch of equipment, benches, and poles is painted with colors and patterns that make you happy just being there. Had the sense that this was a semi-recent effort to beautify a space that was beginning to run down (e.g., a note indicates that Agnes Irwin School out on the Main Line was part of a recent painting effort; some paint was peeling and graffiti already creeping back in). The central climbing structure is neat and offers the only shaded zone on the site; the rest seems fun but might be prohibitively hot on most summer days. Would love to see a roller-hockey game!

Overall rating: 7+

A mix of offerings: Vare playground

2011-05-21T20:34:00.003-04:00

Playground: Vare playground
Location: between Moore and Morris, 26th and 27th
Date visited: 5/21/11

Equipment: Several separate pieces spread around a medium playzone:

One large playset with hight (6-7-foot?) platforms, lots of climbing types, and two straight metal slides of different lenghts
One small playset with 3-4-foot platforms, several types of climbing (including the rarish barrel-stave type that's friendly to newer climbers), and one wide metal slide
Lots of swings! 6 strap + 4 bucket, all functional
A freestanding set of metal monkey bars (around 5 feet tall)
A novelty play piece shaped like an arch, which can be used like a techno-teeter-totter (you sit on either end an the entire structure slides back and forth, raising one end or the other, along the underlying curved tube) or like a more advanced challenge, with hand grips underneath the top part and foot rests on the side, so that one or more people could move the thing that way. [Makes more sense in person.]

Ages: 1-10
Surface: rubbery around equipment; blacktop elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 1 (mostly on swings)
Water: N
Other: large field with baseball diamond, basketball courts, pool, grassy areas, and large rec. center
Access: open (= dawn to dusk?)

Impressions: A nice playground and park a block or two from the blight of the 25th Street train viaduct. Decent basic equipment -- especially good challenges for climbers of various skills, but a little short on slides -- and the novelty arch structure makes it possible for a toddler and parent to teeter together. Lots of swings is nice, and the mix of equipment should accommodate families with kids of various ages. Equipment probably gets really hot in midsummer, but there is refuge at the edges and shaded grass for a picnic.
Overall rating: 7-8

Stinger Square: Gem in Grays Ferry

2011-05-15T22:20:00.005-04:00

Playground: Stinger Square

Location: 32nd & Reed

Date visited: 5/15/11

Equipment:

Little-kid playset: platform steps, plus two other steps, 3 short metal slides (1 turning), bridge, steering wheel, ground-level bench, tic-tac-toe board
Big-kid playset: 5 ladders (including a tall coil) to multi-level platforms, straight metal slide, turning slide, bridge, short firepole, monkey bars
4 bucket swings, 4 strap swings
2 rocking animals (though they were too tight for a 3-year old to make move much)

Ages: 1-10

Surface: rubberized

Shade(0-3): 2

Water: No

Other: 3 cute short tables w/chairs, rec center, swimming pool, several picnic tables

Access: 24/7 (in a public park)

Impressions: Extensive equipment in a nice park setting. Smaller playset is quite accessible for young toddlers, while the bigger one has a lot of possibilities for both bigger toddlers to older kids.

Overall rating: 9

Finnegan Playground: Small, but some novel features

2011-05-15T22:05:00.004-04:00

Playground: Donald Finnegan

Location: Wharton between 30th and 29th

Date visited: 5/15/11

Equipment:* 1 playset (4 ladders -- one a quarter-circle -- steps, elevated crawl-through tunnel, 2 slides), large U-shaped ladder bridge from playset to a 7-ft high platform (which is also accessible by a tall ladder and coil ladder, but hard to get down from for younger kids), 4 strap swings
Ages: 1.5-9

Surface: rubberized

Shade(0-3): 0

Water: No

Other: 2 basketball courts, 1 baseball field, rec center

Access: Weekdays and Saturday mornings (according to posted sign)

Impressions: Playground is of limited scope, but in reasonable shape, and U-ladder is a novel addition.

Overall rating: 6

* Edit: Note that there are two playground areas here, separated by the rec. center -- one is obvious from Wharton and the other from 30th Street. Unfortunately, we realized this only after leaving; thus the above review refers only to the SE of the two playground zones.

Hancock Playground: a minor gem in Kensington

2011-05-08T14:45:00.005-04:00

Playground: Hancock Playground

Location: Master (EW) and Hancock (NS), enter on Hancock

Date visited: 5/8/11

Equipment:

Big-kid playset: multiple platforms, accessible by steps or 5 ladders (two quarter-circles (one quite large) plus a coil, a zigzag, and a straight); one very tall fire-pole, and one large multibump plastic slide, which unfortunately was not at all slippery
Little-kid playset: several platforms accessible by 4 ladders (including quarter-circle and zig-zag), with 3 small slides and a wall decorated as a fire truck with steering wheel
4 strap swings, 2 bucket swings
metal merry-go-round (could fit 6-8 kids at once)
teeter-totter

Ages: 1-10

Surface: rubberized around play areas

Shade(0-3): 0

Water: No

Other: pool, rec center, basketball court, baseball field

Access: whole block surrounded by tall fence, with chainable entry gate on Hancock St.; posted hours are 7 AM-9:30 PM. For what it's worth, it was open on a Sunday at 10ish, so that's a good sign

Impressions: More-than-average set of equipment, all in pretty good shape, and a good amount of space (within a rec space that is itself quite spacious). The "extras" are nice -- the merry-go-round, the teeter-totter -- and the two playsets themselves are more than the standard fare. It's too bad that the one slide for the big-kid zone was so much less fun than it looked (maybe more slippery pants would help, but I'm skeptical).

Overall rating: 8

(The other) Smith Playground: big park, standard playground

2011-05-07T20:27:00.005-04:00

Playground: Smith playground

Location: 24th & Snyder

Date visited: May 7, 2011

Equipment: 2 play areas; younger-kid area has entry by steps and platforms, coil ladder, quarter-circle ladder, pair of small side-by-side slides, bigger slide, bridge, plus, a real see-saw!; bigger-kid area has 2 ladders (one quarter circle), 2 slides (one spiral), pole, monkey bars, 2 free-standing ladder poles

Ages:1-8

Surface: rubberized around play areas

Shade(0-3): 2

Water: Yes -- sprayground adjacent to playground (not open when visited)

Other: 2 basketball courts, large sports fields, large park, rec center

Access: 24/7 (in a public park)

Impressions: Not extensive, but standard equipment is in good shape and setting is pleasant (though there's a fair amount of trash and glass a bit away from the play areas). Too bad there are no swings....

Overall rating: 7

Wharton Square: Simple playground in a nice park setting

2011-05-07T20:15:00.006-04:00

Playground: Wharton Square
Location: 23rd and Wharton
Date visited: May 7, 2011

Equipment: 2 small play areas; younger-kid play area has platforms for climbing, quarter-circle ladder, 3 slides (1 metal), 4 bucket swings; bigger-kid play area has 2 ladders, 2 slides (1 spiral), climbing pole, monkey bars, 2 strap swings (should have been 4 -- 2 were missing)
Ages: 18 months-8 yrs
Surface: rubberized around play areas
Shade(0-3): 2
Water: No
Other: Rec center, basketball court
Access: 24/7 (in a public park)

Impressions: Minimal amount of apparatus, but in reasonable shape, in a nice setting
Overall rating: 6

Cutting edge getting dull: Manayunk's Pretzel Park

2011-05-06T21:20:00.004-04:00

Playground: Pretzel Park playground
Location: Cresson between Cotton and Rector
Date visited: 5/1/11

Equipment: Several zones and freestanding pieces:

A small playset with a climbing wall, curved plastic slide, rope climbing net, and space for some missing element

A ring-shaped merry-go-round (crumbling in spots)

A pole/platform sit-and-spin

A wavy "balance beam" that wobbles for a challenge

A large playset with climbing (ladder, wall, and steps), suspended chair and wobble platforms, several small seats that can be spiraled up and down their poles, and several "rip line" hand-holds for sliding along a sturdy track.

Two pairs of swings, bucket (battered) and strap.

material: modern "adventure-style" ropes, rubber, and metal; scale: medium playspace in a small but hilly park
Ages: 1-12
Surface: rubbery throughout
Shade(0-3): 1
Water: N
Other: dog park, grassy areas, pebbly paved path
Access: open (dawn to dusk?)

Impressions: A neat-looking modern-style adventure playground with offerings to challenge big kids and others well scaled for tots. However, it's taken a real beating since installation and has the cracks and missing elements to prove it (making me wonder whether this style of play equipment has a limited lifespan). Could use some renovation and maybe an old-fashioned tall slide -- nothing here lit up my 3-year-old's face like the simpler fare at Venice Island.
Overall rating: 7

Scenic but forgotten: Venice Island Recreation Center

2011-05-06T20:15:00.003-04:00

Playground: Venice Island playground
Location: across the canal and towpath from Main Street between bridges at Cotton and Lock streets
Date visited: 5/1/11

Equipment: Two playsets:

One aimed at littler kids, with platforms of 2-4 feet, four plastic slides (including one partial spiral and one with bumps) -- note that both sets of double straight slides have puncture holds -- misc. climbing, animal puzzle tic-tac-toe

The one for bigger kids spans two levels of the lot (two bridges arch over the drop) with two sets of double plastic slides, fireman's poles, and various climbing

Also a separate area with stairs and space for four swings, all missing.
material: modern resin & metal; scale: medium playspace in a larger recreation zone
Ages: 2-8
Surface: rubbery around equipment; blacktop elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 2
Water: N
Other: basketball, extra enclosed blacktop area, pool, some grassy area, rec. center building with roof-covered area and mosaic walls
Access: ?

Impressions: Nice mix of equipment -- the double level makes that set feel more novel/adventurous than it is -- but badly in need of upkeep, both to remove trash/rubble/graffitti and to fix broken equipment. Somehow the location, with swank Main Street brewpub on one side and the river on the other, seems like it deserves better, but perhaps the isolated location (across the canal from main walks and drives) and/or changing Manayunk demographics (?) make it hard to bring pressure to bear...
Overall rating: 6

A colorful and creative playspace: Aubury Recreation Center

2011-02-11T20:18:00.003-05:00

Playground: Aubury Rec. Center playground
Location: on Ardleigh (btw. E. Haines and E. Washington)
Date visited: 1/1/11

Equipment: One zone with numerous different play structures and smaller pieces:

A small set with steps and good low climbing options, wide straight and curved plastic slides, drums (!), a novel spinning ball toy embedded in one wall.
Three climbing poles with disk platforms.
Three "sit and spin" platforms (can stand or sit)
A medium set with straight and curved plastic slides and novel types of climbing (including a hard-to-describe section where you could clamber up the inside or outside of a pretzelly lader) -- connected by a ladder bridge to a taller platform with climbing walls.
Separate swingsets (4 bucket and 4 strap).

material: modern, mostly plastic with some metal parts; scale: medium space
Ages: marked 5-12, but probably more like 1-10
Surface: rubbery / cement/ grass?
Shade(0-3): 1
Water: Y (looks like hydrant style)
Other: Rec. center, parking, bike racks, pool, and more (basketball? etc.) -- all behind fences
Access: open, unmarked

Impressions: Fun and colorful array of equipment in a small playground with a convenient off-road parking lot. No idea how busy it gets in the warm season, given that we tromped in slush during our visit, nor whether it is shared by the nearby school, but it's definitely worth a visit if you're in the area, especially with kids of mixed ages or those who love to climb.
Overall rating: 8

A small playground in an inviting setting: Clivedon Park

2011-02-11T19:41:00.003-05:00

Playground: Clivedon Park
Location: Chew & Johnson (SW corner)
Date visited: 1/1/11

Equipment: One playset with two platforms: one around 2 feet hight with some climbing and a double plastic slide, the other around 5 feet high with a ladder, straight and spiral metal slides, and fireman's pole. The two platforms are connected by a stretch of ladder-bottomed bridge, so parents will have to hoist tots who want to try the taller slides; under the set there's a small loop for crawling through. Swings nearby (2 strap and 2 bucket).
material: modern resin & metal; scale: med. playset in large park
Ages: 1-8?
Surface: rubbery around equipment; grass elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 2
Water: N
Other: park
Access: open (dawn - dusk?)

Impressions: Not bad for a small playground (although the gap between the playsets makes it hard for 2-4 year olds to take full advantage), but the bigger draw here is the shady tree-filled park with its many hills for running and climbing (or, in the case of our winter visit, carrying snow from here to there).
Overall rating: 7

A nice destination in cooler months: Powel Public School

2010-11-20T14:44:00.003-05:00

Playground: Samuel Powel Public School
Location: Powelton between 35th & 36th
Date visited: 11/14/10

Equipment: Two playsets:

Smaller has various types of climbing, two plastic slides (one short and straight, one taller and spiral), and a store window playspace underneath.
Larger has two tall plastic slides (one straight with moguls and one curved and irregular), monkey bars of varying height, hanging bars, and a steep climbing wall.

Also here is a long circular stone wall surrounding a tree stump, both of which provide for additional play opportunities.
Ages: 1-12
Surface: rubbery around equipment; woodchips elsehwere
Shade(0-3): 0
Water: N
Other: blacktop area with lots of painted games, maps, etc.; picnic tables
Access: open?

Impressions: Nicely designed newish playground offers fun for a range of ages in a compact space. The open blacktop and picnic tables make this a nice place for an extended visit, and an adjacent playspace across 35th fills in with more choices and a couple of bucket swings (the key absence here). Nice for a fall afternoon in West Philly.
Overall rating: 8

Good for older kids: Drew School playground

2010-11-20T14:23:00.002-05:00

Playground: Drew School
Location: Powelton & 38th
Date visited: 11/14/10

Equipment: One medium playset, with three metal slides (paired straight and single spiral), monkey bars, a stretch of elevated "stepping stones," a jumping pad, and various climbing (including an unusual kind of climbing wall/ladder, ascended with the help of a chain rope).
material: modern resin and metal; scale: large blacktop area with compact play structure
Ages: 2-12
Surface: rubbery around equipment; blacktop elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 0
Water: N
Other: large blacktop area, including some painted games
Access: open gates (dawn to dusk?)

Impressions: Playset in a large blacktop schoolyard near a muralled school offers an interesting mix of play challenges, probably better aimed at slightly older kids; our nearly 3-year-old veteran explorer couldn't really take on the stepping stones or climbing wall and was nervous about the bouncy platform/jumping pad. No swings, and little for the youngest set, but good for some challenges, and/or with a ball or skateboard in tow. Also somewhat fun for goofy parents. :)
Presumably busy on school days...
Overall rating: 7+

The far south: Greenwich Rec. Center

2010-10-31T15:31:00.007-04:00

Playground: Greenwich Recreation Center
Location: 3rd and Shunk (SW)
Date visited: 10/9/10

Equipment: Two playsets in close proximity:

Very low (2.5-foot) platform, with easy climbing, animal-body "tic tac toe" variant, a solid flat bridge, and double plastic slide(s).
Taller has good mix of climbing, one straight metal and one spiral plastic slide, and monkey bars.

Two bucket and one strap swing, and an extra piece of equipment that has straight bars for hanging or climbing.
Ages: 1-7
Surface: rubbery composite around equipment; grass or cement elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 1+
Water: N
Other: swimming pool, football field, extra grassy area, basketball, mural-covered rec center, and extra blacktop with painted games
Access: not marked

Impressions: Nice large space overall, but compact play zone. Equipment is colorful but abused -- worn holes in the rubbery surface, graffitti and missing paint, and, worst, stubs of former equipment jutting up just a little above the ground...
Overall rating: 6

Eagles Unity Playground (in Mifflin Square)

2010-10-31T15:31:00.003-04:00

Playground: Eagles Unity Playground
Location: 6th and Wolf (open)
Date visited: 10/9/10 (Saturday at noon)

Equipment: Two main playsets:

Larger has monkey bars, swinging rings, a zip line (ring missing), lots of climbing types, parallel bars, solid and jointed bridges, one metal slide (a second one missing and boarded up), and benches underneath.
Smaller has steps and simple climbing, double plastic slides (soaked with mud/coffee/worse at visit).

Also what appears to be a set of water sprayers in a large cement circle (off at time of October visit), and a set of swings (2 strap, 2 bucket).
Ages: 1-8 (10?)
Surface: rubbery around equip.; cement, brick, grass elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 0 (larger), 2 (smaller)
Water: Y?
Other: Volleyball pits, basketball, lots of grass, small picnic table area
Access: open (dawn to dusk?)

Impressions: Cheerful and fun, with lots of options packed into each piece of equipment. However, in need of upkeep, from missing or broken pieces to trash issues. Lots of happy kids there when we visited, in a range of ethnicities. Interesting gold-leaf-covered Thai temple across the street to the south.
Overall rating: 7

Far West Philly: Christy Recreation Center

2010-10-31T14:49:00.005-04:00

Playground: Christy Rec. Center playground
Location: 56th & Webster (park extends to Christian and 55th); playground on north side
Date visited: 10/31/10

Equipment: Big stretch of swings, including 8 strap and 4 bucket, and two playsets:

Smaller has a 3-4 foot platform with lots of climbing of varied difficulty and one metal slides. There are also two hobby horses in this area (one horse and one pelican).
Larger has platforms from 4-6 feet high, lots of climbing, and two straight metal slides of different heights.

material: weathered resin & metal; scale: small playspace in larger park
Ages: 2-7
Surface: rubbery around equipment; blacktop elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 0
Water: N
Other: swimming pool, basketball court, large grassy field (including a baseball diamond), large rec. center. and tennis courts with no nets
Access: not posted

Impressions: Weathered but perfectly adequate older playground. Hobby horses and extra swings are pluses, as are the range of ladder types for curious climbers. But nothing special here to pull anybody from outside the neighborhood.
Overall rating: 6

A mix of unusual offerings: Malcolm X Park

2010-10-31T14:09:00.005-04:00

Playground: Malcolm X Park
Location: between Pine & Larchwood, 51st & 52nd
Date visited: 10/31/10

Equipment: Several structures in two neighboring zones: One zone combines the equipment designed for smaller kids (marked 2-5) with a subzone of individual challenging pieces aimed at a range of ages; the second zone is a large playset intended for older kids (marked 5-12).

The small kid playset has two metal slides and some low ladders. There are also two trucks made of metal and wood, that an be attempted by even pretty small kids. Also right here are two "spaceship" pieces that offer various ways to enter (under, through a hole, etc.) and some dashboard-looking gizmos for pretend play. There's also a purple gizmo that promises some sort of auditory interaction, but it's either broken or inscrutible.

The more adventure-seeming subzone here has a very low balance beam enclosed by rails (although tots will need overhead hands to attempt it) and a similar piece where the walking is on the suspension chains themselves (also inches from the ground). For older kids, there's a wavy narrow "balance beam" that's a couple of feet off the ground (no rails), a climbing net (metal, partly broken) to a fireman's pole, a short stretch of monkey bar rings, a zip line ring, and a set of angled climbing rails that offer a challenge for the more adventurous. There's also a sort of climbing wall here (with footholes rather than knobs), and a little gazebo-covered table with stools around it (several missing their seats).
The larger playset has a range of challenging climbing options, 4 metal slides (2 straight, 1 double, 1 spiral), and solid bridges. Also connected is another long zip line ring, some climbing walls, and a balance/bounce platform (I dunno how to describe this, but it was fun). Nearby is a pair of plastic basketball hoops at different heights in the center of a small cement area.

material: modern resin and metal, or as marked; scale: substantial play space inside a full-block park
Ages: 1-12
Surface: rubbery around equipment, mostly grass elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 2
Water: N
Other: picnic table, small covered area (bandstand?), tiny muraled building (shed? rec. center?), grassy park

Access: open park (dawn to dusk?)
Impressions: Wonderfully colorful and creative playground with challenges for all ages, in a grassy park full of mature trees. Some graffitti and signs of abuse, but not yet enough to interfere with the wealth of fun here. Rating docked for lack of swings, which can be critical for babies, but otherwise pretty neat, and worth a trip from other parts of town. Definitely stuff here we've never seen anywhere else, especially for families with kids of varied ages.
Also note: coffee shop and pizza place both across the street widen the options for an outing here.
Overall rating: 9

East of Temple, Part II: 8th & Diamond playground

2010-10-21T11:10:00.005-04:00

Playground: 8th & Diamond
Location: SW corner of 8th & Diamond
Date visited: 10/17/10

Equipment: one playset, generally aimed at younger kids, with miscellaneous climbing, 1 solid bridge, 2 metal slides (3 ft, 4 ft), bench and tic-tac-toe underneath, 4 strap swings (straps at 2 heights), 4 bucket swings
Ages: 1-5
Surface: spongy by equipment, blacktop elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 1
Water: Yes (sprayer on post in cement area, off when visited)
Other: basketball court, small rec center
Access: 6 AM - 10 PM

Impressions: Limited age range, but appealing for that age range -- especially good for kids starting to be interested in ladders, as there are a range of challenges available. Kept up in reasonable shape (e.g. there was a community garden, and a Sunday AM church service in the rec center when visited).
Overall rating: 7

East of Temple: McKinley Eagles playground

2010-10-21T10:50:00.005-04:00

Playground: McKinley Eagles Playground
Location: Orkney and Susquehanna (SE corner)
Date visited: 10/17/10

Equipment: 1 substantial playset, including some climbing, 3 metal slides (2 straight 1 spiral), zip-line, row of stepping stones, hanging bar, jointed bridge, puppet window, no swings
Ages: 2-8
Surface: spongy near equipment, blacktop elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 0
Water: No
Other: basketball courts, picnic table
Access: not posted

Impressions: Equipment is reasonable but not extensive: just one playset, no swings, no extras. Aesthetically, there are significant plusses---colorful murals on the adjacent school and colorful cupolas over the platforms of the playset---though we're talking about a sea of blacktop with no trees.
Overall rating: 7

First visit to near Northeast, Part II: Roosevelt Playground

2010-09-26T14:35:00.003-04:00

Playground: Roosevelt Playground
Location: corner of Hellerman and Walker
Date visited: 9/22/10

Equipment: Larger jungle gym (3 ladders, big turning slide, straight slide, 3 bridges, 2 turn-the-pieces puzzles, Tic-Tac-Toe), Smaller jungle gym (4 ladders, big slide, tall steps, sliding pole, monkey bars), 4 strap swings, 4 bucket swings, 3 broken rocking animals (barely rock), stone elephant sculpture
Ages: 2-8
Surface: rubbery surface by equipment
Shade(0-3): 1
Water: Stone elephant seems to be a sprinkler
Other: Rec center, playing fields
Access: could be gated, not sure about hours

Impressions: Pleasant atmosphere and decent equipment, kept in pretty good shape (though a small scum-puddle near the elephant when visited). A bit surprising that the larger jungle gym is more accessible to smaller kids, while the smaller one requires ladder or climbing access, but decent equipment for range of ages (though too bad that all 3 rocking animals are basically not functional).
Overall rating: 7

First visit to near Northeast: Vogt Playground

2010-09-26T13:53:00.004-04:00

Playground: Vogt
Location: Unruh Ave., just north of Cottage St.
Date visited: 9/22/10

Equipment: Large jungle gym (5 ladders, steps, turning slide, regular slide, monkey bars), small jungle gym (4 ladders, 2 steps, 3 slides), 4 strap swings (tall), 4 bucket swings, 2 rocking animals (old), 2 space-pods connected by bridge, hopscotch
Ages: 1-8
Surface: rubbery around play equipment, cement elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 1
Water: None
Other: Rec Center, many playing fields
Access: Could be gated, hours unknown

Impressions: Fairly big playground, among an enormous complex of playing fields. Ambience is quite nice, with central benches under trees. Equipment in decent shape (though not super-new) and fairly well maintained (though hanging bar above one slide was coated with gooey bubble gum -- yuck).
Overall rating: 7

Outskirts of Temple III: Winchester Playground

2010-09-25T20:29:00.005-04:00

Playground: Winchester playground
Location: 15th just North of Dauphin
Date visited: 8/28/10

Equipment: Small playground with three compact playsets, colorful metal and plastic:

Stairs, ladder, straight climbing wall, short and tall plastic slides, curve of "monkey bar" rings, chimes
Wood-look plastic set with sloped and straight climbing walls, novel disk-style wobbly ladder, and tall plastic slide with bumps
Stairs and novel rock-pile steps (like an irregular staircase climber) and two plastic slides (straight & curved) and a (partly functional) ball bearing spin toy

Ages: 1-7
Surface: rubbery around equipment, cement elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 2
Water: N
Other: basketball courts on both sides, small grassy field
Access: open

Impressions: Practically new, colorful, and fun, these little playsets are real gems of fun and challenge -- novel climbing modes, good and varied slides, lots of fun. Will mostly appeal to tots through elementary ages, but worth going out of your way once with an enthusiastic climber. No swings though.
Overall rating: 8

Outskirts of Temple II: Amos playground

2010-09-23T20:03:00.003-04:00

Playground: Amos playground
Location: 16th and Berks
Date visited: 8/28/10

Equipment: Small playground and rec. center in a little niche of public space surrounded by Temple ball fields and frat houses. Several play structures:

A playset with a river of monkey bars and two metal slides (3 and 6 feet tall)
An older-style metal-bar "fire truck" to climb around on, including one low metal slide and a wooden bench driver's seat. Low running boards might be reachable by crawlers and standers.
Angled cement climbing piece (tunnel under, saddle shape above, with window holes)
Cylindrical jungle gym
Swingset with 2 strap swings and 2 empty spaces

material: weathered "resin and metal" type; scale of space: small
Ages: 1-8
Surface: rubbery around structures; cement elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 0
Water: N
Other: Basketball, beautifully muralled/mosaic rec. center, picnic tables in corner, fenced cement zone (for balls and skateboards? no basketball net), closed former pool
Access: 6am - 10pm (not gateable)

Impressions: Very cute but poorly maintained playground offers a fun variety of play equipment for a surprising range of ages in a small space. Lack of shade and bucket swings are a real shame. I gather that this playground was redone within the last 10 years -- it could use a little paint and other love, especially given the contrast with the shining Temple playspaces on the other side of the fence . . .
Overall rating: 6-7

Outskirts of Temple I: Dendy Recreation Center

2010-09-23T19:42:00.004-04:00

Playground: Marie Dendy rec. center playground
Location: 10th between Jefferson and Oxford
Date visited: 8/28/10

Equipment: One continuous zone with several play structures:

A freestanding metal slide, around 4ft. high
A large playset with lots of climbing bits and one tall (6-ft) metal slide
A small playset (platforms around 3ft. tall) with several types of climbing and two plastic slides -- one wide and straight, the other curved
A neat sculpture with three sleek metal dolphins (good for young climbers) circling a central structure (somewhat vertebral in appearance) -- could be a fountain/sprayer, but not contained in any sort of pool, so might or might not be functional
A swing set with space for 4 swings, but only 1 bucket was present at time of visit (other spaces empty)

Ages: 1-7
Surface: rubbery around equipment; blacktop elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 2
Water: ?
Other: basketball (lots), grassy field with baseball diamond(s), rec. center building, pool, tennis courts with no nets, blacktop areas (hopscotch squares)
Access: not posted (= dawn to dusk?)

Impressions: Serviceable equipment in a pleasant shady space with varied space for play and meandering. Lack of swings a definite minus, cute sculpture and possible water a plus. Little kids might enjoy the dolphins. Space could hold a lot of activity, but nobody was there on a pleasant Sunday morning; still, seems a great neighborhood resource.
Overall rating: 6

Grand ambitions, but a little short: Guerin

2010-08-17T21:56:00.005-04:00

Playground: Guerin recreation center
Location: 16th & Jackson (SE corner), main entrance on 16th
Date visited: 8/15/10

Equipment: Substantial fenced play zone marked "12 and under" -- not really divided into subzones, but with a number of pieces of equipment:

A lower playset, marked for ages 2-5, with a couple of types of climbing, platforms 3-5 feet high, one metal and two plastic slides (one curved and one with moguls), and arched bridge and a narrower "canyon" walkway, bench underneath. Has one of those spinnable bead games, but instead of tic-tac-toe, it has animal heads/bodies/feet.
Higher playset, marked for ages 5-12, with various climbing, curved arch bridge and canyon walkway, two metal slides of different heights, bench and some other fun bits underneath (including some gears).
A "hobby horse" shaped like a bulldozer (and space where another one is missing).
Swings: 4 strap, and space for 4 buckets, the latter all missing or broken.
Circular water zone with a pipe sprayer.
Fun modern rope-ish variant on a compact jungle gym, pyramid-shaped for conquering.

Ages: 1-8
Surface: rubbery around equipment; cement elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 0
Water: Y
Other: Rec. center and smaller building, small picnic tables (some broken seats), and huge blacktop area lit for some kind of organized use (fall football, summer camp stuff)
Access: summer: 9am-10pm; otherwise, 1:30-10pm

Impressions: This playground is colorful and creative, and looks like it was designed to be a showcase/destination playground, but it falls a bit short. First, it suffers from the common problem of underestimating the abilities of children (and thus not offering any real challenges for older kids). Second, some combination of neglect and abuse has decreased its offerings -- the lack of bucket swings seems really a shame. Landscaping here is pretty, but it doesn't actually put any trees where they might offer shade when grown. Better upkeep would raise its grade; meantime, worth a visit with younger kids if you're in the area, for the unusual mix of entertainments.
Overall rating: 7

Colorful but tired: DiSilvestro playground

2010-08-17T08:42:00.005-04:00

Playground: DiSilvestro
Location: 15th and Morris
Date visited: 8/15/10

Equipment: Two zones, a few yards apart:

Tot zone has one playset, 3-4-foot platforms, some climbing (including steps and a "barrel stave" ladder), small arched bridge, and two metal slides. Also 4 bucket swings in this area.
Kid zone has 4-5-foot platform complex with fun mesh crawl tunnel, arched bridge, two metal slides of different heights, and several climbing and sliding poles. Also 4 strap swings here.

material: modern resin & metal; scale of space: med zone in smallish paved park.
Ages: 1-6
Surface: rubbery around equipment; blacktop elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 0
Water: N
Other: basketball courts, hopscotch and more blacktop, colorful small rec. center
Access: summer: 9am-10:30pm; winter: 2pm-10:30pm

Impressions: Colorful and inviting from a distance, but a little underinspired and under-maintained, plus metal slides with no shade mean it's hard to get the most from what is there. Nothing to pull you from any distance, although there's lots of space to kick a ball or practice skateboarding, and the neighborhood is pleasantly multiethnic and multinational.
Note: bubble tea and bahn mi (Vietnamese hoagies) available across the street.
Overall rating: 6

In need of some love: Dickinson Square playground

2010-08-17T08:23:00.003-04:00

Playground: Dickinson Square park
Location: Between Morris and Tasker, 3rd and 4th
Date visited: 8/15/10

Equipment: Two formal play structures:

Smaller tot piece has a double plastic and single metal slide, various ladders and steps
Larger kid piece has a stretch of monky bars, a fireman's pole, single metal slide and spiral plastic slide.

There's also a free-standing metal piece here that may have been intended as a climbing object or as a sculpture, but is clearly being used as both; it's a challenging steep cone to climb, with rings at the top to hang onto/from. There are two areas that used to have swings: one has the metal frame but no swings or chains, and the other just has the rubbery surface and guard rails but no structure there at all.
material: weathered version of modern resin and metal; space: med play space in broader open park
Ages: 1-10
Surface: rubbery around equipment; blacktop and grass elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 3
Water: N
Other: Basketball courts, a padded loop (for bikes and skateboards?), grassy and paved areas, some sort of rec-center-ish building (Parson's Center)
Access: 6am-10pm (open park)

Impressions: Grassy neighborhood park has a small shady playground surrounded by a low stone wall, and lots of grassy space and benches. During our Sunday-noon visit, families and kids played with rubber balls and wagons on the basketball court, dug in some dirt, and gave it a happy feel that belied the worn equipment and missing swings. A place that deserves some repair and upkeep, especially since it's so prime for a picnic and play combination.
Overall rating: 5

New and enticing: the renovated Mt. Airy playground

2010-08-07T15:04:00.003-04:00

Playground: Mt. Airy playground
Location: On Sedgwick just north of Germantown Ave.
Date visited: 8/7/10

Equipment: Three zones of fun:

Tot zone (marked 2-5) has colorful plastic platforms, with a roofed area (including a bench), various climbing including a small "climbing wall," three slides (all metal), and a play table underneath. Also in this area is a 3-person riding toy like a modern low-risk blend of teeter-totter and hobby horse (on a spring), a small "sit and spin" seat, a set of musical chimes, and 4 bucket swings.
Older kid zone (marked 5-12) is 20 yards away and designed using "adventure-style" rope and plastic equipment a little like Franklin Square. Some parts of this are complicated ropey parts to challenge older kids, but a few of the lower structures include simpler elements like a suspended tire and a stable hanging chair that would be approachable to intrepid toddlers. There's another piece of equipment still being built here -- only the support poles were in place, so hard to say what it will be, but it's also marked for the older set. A brace of 6 strap swings completes this area.
A cement region close to the tot zone turns out to be a nice sprayground, including 4 or 5 water jets that send plumes out of the pavement with various degrees of force. As with many modern sprayparks, there's a waist-height pole here with a button that needs to be pressed every couple of minutes to keep the water coming, so don't be concerned if it's not on when you arrive -- it needs to be pushed with some force, however, so younger kids may need some help.

material: as describe above; scale: good-sized play area within large park
Ages: 1-12
Surface: rubbery under equipment; blacktop or cement elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 0
Water: Y -- small sprayground
Other: picnic tables, baseball field, basketball courts, shaded porch on rec center, football team
Access: Nothing posted, but gate(s) can be closed

Impressions: Recently renovated cutting-edge playspace offers something for just about everybody and a wide range of ages. Inviting tot zone and space-age-looking clambering zone for older kids should prove a huge draw -- throw in the zone of water sprayers and some grass to run around in and it's worth a serious drive, but probably not on the hottest/sunniest days, given the almost complete absence of shade.
Bonus: it's right across the street from a big Acme, so easy to combine with some quick errands.
Overall rating: 10

First trip to the Northwest: Donald Rumph Rec. Center (= Carpenter Park = Mallery Playground)

2010-08-07T14:18:00.006-04:00

Playground: Mallery Playground (?)
Location: On Johnson at Morton; second playground near Duval
Date visited: 8/7/10 (late Saturday morning)

Equipment: Two separate playgrounds:

Tot lot right by recreation center has one small playset (low platforms) with several types of climbing, including the uncommon barrel-stave-type ladder, and two slides (1 metal and 1 plastic). Also in this zone is a "hobby horse" style bobbing elephant and a mysterious structure a little like an almost-horizontal slide caged with bars -- something for crawlers? for racing cars? a training jungle gym? A set of swings here includes 1 bucket (and brackets for another, missing) and 2 low strap swings.
The bigger kid section would be easy to miss, as it's down some steps and around the other side of the rec. center. The play structure has higher platforms (4 and 6 feet) with a number of simple climbing elements and a single high (metal) slide, as well as a curvy stretch of classic monkey bars. Also in this area are a set of 4 strap swings and a freestanding structure that's an arched stretch of ladder (you could, say, climb up and over) about 7 feet high.

material: modern resin and metal; scale: one small and one medium play spaces in a larger park.
Ages: 1-4 and 3-8?
Surface: rubbery around equipment
Shade(0-3): 2 (both)
Water: N
Other: Large rec. center with lots of classes and other activities, ball field (and enough more grass for soccer, football, etc.), basketball courts
Access: open on several sides; no hours posted

Impressions: These widely separated zones are good for protecting toddlers from their rambunctious elders, but they make it hard for a parent to keep an eye on kids of different ages. Decent equipment, if a little uninspired and a little worn. Tot zone feels restful; field near the lower lot is fun for running around; both zones have decent shade. A nice spot if you live nearby, but nothing to make a special trip for.
Overall rating: 6-7

Shiny but headed for tarnish? Kingsessing Park

2010-08-02T19:29:00.004-04:00

Playground: Kingsessing Park playground
Location: Kingsessing at 50th St.
Date visited: 8/1/10 (Sunday morning)

Equipment: Two playsets not too far apart:

Tot zone is a lower set of platforms (around 3 feet) including steps and low climbing bits, solid and jointed bridges (the latter daunted our 29-month-old), three slides (all metal), and small kid-height benches in a gazebo setting in the middle. Decent shade in this zone. Also a freestanding hobby horse.
Bigger kid zone has platforms around 6 feet. Neat sorts of climbing (as well as steps), a lon bridge, submarine-style climbing into the middle of one platform, straight and spiral slides (metal). Underneath the fun continues, with a "monkey bar" stretch of rings, little seats, and door/window for smaller kids. No shade over any of this equipment though.

There's also a row of swings that is between the two playsets, with 4 buckets and 4 straps (and also a stretch missing whatever it might have been intended to contain).
Ages: 1-9
Surface: rubbery
Shade(0-3): 2/0
Water: N
Other: ballfield, extra grassy field (football? soccer?), large brick rec. center (onetime school?), pool, basketball, tennis practice wall, tennis courts (with no nets), picnic tables, some blacktop/cement areas, a loop for small bikes or skateboards
Access: open access

Impressions: A location sandwiched between two large playing fields gives this park playground a nice feel, despite the hard-worn nearby houses and presence of blowing trash. Well-designed and creative equipment offer fun for a range of ages, with features to challenge or entertain. Shaded picnic tables and easy parking (and/or nearby trollies on Chester) are a plus, although the exposure of the swings is a bit hard for hot summer days. On net, the place is close to being a destination playground, but there are signs that the recent overhaul, funded by a federal grant, isn't being kept up -- missing nets on the tennis courts, broken bucket swings (2 out of 4), and the trash issues. I hope that somebody in the area will hold the Recreation Department to a better standard of behavior, but it's hard to know.
Overall rating: 8

Two playgrounds in one: Comegys

2010-08-01T20:15:00.007-04:00

Playground: 48th & Woodland Park/Comegys Sprayground
Location: between 47th & 48th, Woodland and Grey's Ferry (enter on 47th for playground, but gates on many sides)
Date visited: 8/1/10 (Sunday morning)

Equipment: Essentially two playgrounds: a standard one north of the rec. center, and a sprayground to the south (past the basketball courts). We could only visit the former and look longingly at the latter (will update if we get back):

One multilevel playset with a low curved and high spiral slide (both plastic), lots of climbing, etc. (but no simple stairs for the youngest set). Modern resin + metal, but a little weathered. There's also a small "space ship" for climbing up into (ladder in the middle, can walk around the "pod" at 3-4 ft height). A set of swings nearby, with 3 straps and 4 buckets.
Sprayground looks quite colorful and inventive, with taller poles appearing as palm trees and saguaro cactus, and large arches of metal evoking the possibility of a variety of sprays to run under. No grates for out-of-ground squirters, though, so perhaps not for tiny tots, and not even a hint of shelter from the sun. Nothing seen in action at the time of our visit.

Scale: 2 small sections of a large park.
Ages: equipment 2-7; water zone ??
Surface: playground, rubbery; sprayground, cement
Shade(0-3): playground 2; sprayground 0
Water: Y!
Other: basketball courts, baseball field, huge expanse of extra grass (soccer?), blacktop area, picnic tables
Access: park as a whole has long hours, but the sprayground has its own fence and hours: M-F, 1-6; Sat, 11-6 (closed Sun).

Impressions: The play equipment was clean and functional, the shade is nice, and the rec. center is covered in colorful art. But there's not much draw to the playground itself (and it didn't hold our toddler's attention for long) -- the magic in the colorful pipes of the sprayground. Will have to see later whether those are as fun in action as in repose...
Overall rating: 6

A welcome retreat in West Philly: Clark Park playground

2010-07-28T22:19:00.005-04:00

Playground: Clark Park
Location: 43rd & Chester (1 block south of Baltimore), SW corner
Date visited: 7/28/10 (late afternoon)

Equipment: Two zones within a few yards of each other:

Tot lot (marked 2-5 years) has two playsets: (1) good-sized standard playset, with two slides (both metal), a narrow solid bridge/walkway that would give toddlers a safe thrill of adventure, unusual kinds of climbing options, and under-set play zones (a crawl-through hole, "shop window," etc.); (2) a smaller, lower, dinosaur-shaped piece with low steps and climbing and two smaller (plastic) slides, as well as a crawl space/fort underneath. There are also 4 bucket swings in this zone.
Older kid area is also multi-level, with a range of challenges including 3 slides of different heights (all metal, 4-7 ft), a rope climbing net, a ring-based monkeybar stretch, a solid bridge, and a variety of spaces underneath (hole, bench, window, etc.). Also 3 strap swings and one chair swing in this zone.

material: modern resin & metal, plus rope wall; scale: large play area in extensive park.
Ages: 1-10 (12?)
Surface: rubbery throughout play areas
Shade(0-3): 2+
Water: N
Other: big grassy park with paths, picnic and play areas, basketball court, low stone wall; water ice cart and 2 semi-permanent porta-potties present on day of visit; occasional theatrical and musical events in the evenings
Access: unfenced

Impressions: A cheerful and neighborhoody playground, busy but not crowded, with colorful equipment in a pleasant open park full of mature trees -- the presence of additional green areas across the streets to east (a garden) and north (more park, including a cement climbing turtle) increase the feeling of expansiveness here. The equipment seems very well designed for a range of ages, and includes types of climbing in both zones that we hadn't seen before. Great for families with kids of many ages, and for combining play with a picnic or trip to a nearby cafe (I glimpsed patio tables a little farther up 43rd). Also happily multiethnic. Worth a trip!
Overall rating: 9

Great for clambering but needs more: Sacks Playground

2010-07-25T15:02:00.005-04:00

Playground: Sacks Playground
Location: 4th and Federal (entrance on corner)
Date visited: 7/25/10 (early Sunday morning)

Equipment: Two jungle gyms -- one short and fairly long, accessible by steps or various ladders/climbing walls, including a bridge but no slides (!); the other basically just a tall tower, accessible by two tall ladders and with a spiral slide. Shorter jungle gym also includes a cool racing car game (two cars run around a track when you turn a crank), but partially broken (only one car moves smoothly). Fairly large free-standing climbing wall, including low tunnels to crawl through. Low multi-tunnel crawling area. Two-foot high stone turtle with many footholds for climbing. 8-foot tall tower for climbing. Two strap swings.

Ages: 1-8 years
Surface: Rubberized foam throughout
Shade(0-3): 2
Water: No
Other: Public pool, large ball field, basketball courts, extra blacktop and grass; another large park across 4th Street
Access: Dawn to dusk? Fenced in, but gate open at 4th and Federal when visited at 7:30 AM on a Sunday, so presumably open most of the time?

Impressions: Appealing and novel set of equipment, with quite a few options for smaller children. Clean with a nice playing surface. Between the multiple climbing walls, tall climbing structure, usual ladders on jungle gyms, and tunnels and turtle, good clambering options for all ages. However, a glaring lack of slides -- the main jungle gym has none! -- you climb up and then need to climb back down. The one slide is only accessible by a pair of tall ladders, not good for younger children, at least not without assistance. It appears that there was once a connection between the two jungle gyms, which would explain the lack of slide for the one, but now there is a boarded-up circular hole at the end of each. Another glaring lack -- no bucket swings, and indeed only two strap swings. Overall, it feels like a pleasant environment that is in need of just a bit more development -- dealing somehow with the boarded-up ends of the jungle gym, for example. If that happened, this would be a very nice playground -- already it has a nice feel and an above-average variety of climbing possibilities.
Overall rating: 6 (higher than that in terms of feel and climbing options, but some glaring deficiencies in terms of slides and swings)

Small shady refuge: Gold Star Park

2010-07-18T15:12:00.003-04:00

Playground: Gold Star Park
Location: On Wharton, between 6th & 7th (small interior streets)
Date visited: 7/18/10 (Sunday late morning)

Equipment: One small playset, including one slide (metal), a hanging bar, some crow's nests, and some climbing bits (including a "barrel roll" ladder). No swings or other equipment.
material: modern resin & metal; scale: small park with single playset area inside
Ages: 1-3
Surface: rubbery composite around playset
Shade(0-3): 3!
Water: N
Other: grassy areas, benches, blacktop, lots of shade, one large partly fenced blacktop that looks like a basketball court with no nets
Access: can't be closed, but posted 6am-10pm

Impressions: Feels like the old community parks of my youth -- mostly for shady picnics and "running around" -- except that about half of it is inexplicably paved. (It seems like a retired light pole could be repurposed for a basketball hoop, but perhaps that would make a peaceful space too noisy for the quiet townhouses on all sides.) Still, it was a real respite on a hot day, and our 29-month-old ran around with glee and rolled her ball in the grass.
Extras: There are apparently concerts in this park on Thursday nights in the summer. Also, a man sitting on a bench was surfing wifi; I forgot to ask whether it was free or filched...
Overall rating: 7 (for toddlers only)

Fun in the sun: Columbus Square

2010-07-18T14:36:00.005-04:00

Playground: Columbus Square Recreation Center
Location: block bounded by Wharton & Reed, 12th & 13th -- enter on 12th for playgrounds
Date visited: 7/18/10 (Sunday morning)

Equipment: Two separate zones:

A tot zone is protected by a gated fence and some decorative plantings from the rest of the space. Its playset includes 2 slides (both metal), a solid bridge, stairs, and a good mix of simple ladders and a low rope ladder, all good for those learning to climb. Also 4 bucket swings here (a nice type with a higher back, that I haven't seen before), and the whole zone is covered with rubbery surfacing. No actual shade at 10:30, but low roofs over the playset ends made it feel a bit shady.
The bigger kid area has a multi-level play structure that includes 2 straight slides (4' and 6') and 1 twisty slide -- all metal -- lots of climbing bits, a crawl-through bridge tube (big enough for a toddler to walk through, bending down a bit), and an arched solid bridge; also, underneath, a few possible play spots for smaller kids like a crawl-through hole and and a "shop-window" ledge. The upper end of this structure was high enough to challenge (and even daunt) our 29-month-old adventurer. A little tricky for parents who like to get up on the playset with their kids too. Four strap swings finish out this zone.

material: modern resin & metal; scale: medium space in a larger park.
Ages: 1-4, 3-10, respectively?
Surface: rubbery around play spaces; brick elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 0
Water: Y (not observed)
Other: ball field, rec. center, grassy area, dog park, extra paved space (for bikes and balls); also an interesting closed (round) building at the far end of the paved space.
Access: dawn to dusk?

Impressions: This appears to be a recently renovated space, with a modernist rec. building, lots of colorful plantings, and nice equipment that offers a range of play for many ages -- it's not huge, but it's well chosen and designed. Lack of shade made our visit a bit brutal in summer heat, but it's probably a great spot in most seasons, especially for families with kids in a range of ages. (Note that the Christopher Columbus Charter School is right nearby, which may mean some daytime or afterschool traffic in spring and fall.) Will be nice when the tiny trees have matured in another decade or so. We'll definitely be back on a cooler day!
Overall rating: 8

Shady but trash-strewn: Cruz Rec Center park

2010-06-20T19:16:00.005-04:00

Playground: Cruz Rec. Center
Location: whole city block between 5th-6th, Jefferson-Master (couple blocks north of Girard) -- one playground each in NW and SE corners
Date visited: 6/20/10 (Sunday morning)

Equipment: There are two playgrounds here, separated by a ball field:

Little kid zone is in SE corner (enter at 5th & Master). The main playset has a good mix of steps and climbing equipment, as well as 3 slides (2 metal, straight, 1 plastic, curved) and an arched bridge --- better than average for equipment aimed at littler kids. There is also one old-school freestanding metal slide (maybe 5 feet tall, so ok for toddlers) and a "space capsule" that allows small kids to climb an interior ladder into a curved metal basin that a toddler can stand up in (all about 2 feet off the ground). Four bucket swings and a heap of parent benches complete this zone.
Older kid zone is in the NW corner (gate on Jefferson). There's an old-fashioned metal jungle gym (metal triangles forming a half-sphere), that requires pretty long legs to get onto. Also a more modern playset with lots of things to climb, a fireman's pole, and a single slide (metal, pretty steep). This set was a little beyond the grasp of our 28-month-old, but it might not offer much variety/challenge to actual Big Kids. (The wealth of open space in this park might or might not compensate.) Four strap swings here too.

material: weathered metal/resin (except as noted above), with some graffitti; scale: two medium spaces in a large multipurpose outdoor area
Ages: 1-3, 5-10, respectively?
Surface: rubbery around equipment, blacktop elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 2 (great on toddler playset)
Water: N
Other: large basketball court area, baseball field, extra grassy areas; rec. center has a fenced pool
Access: open (=dawn to dusk?)

Impressions: This large park has a nice range of offerings and runaround spaces, and an unusually good set of mature trees made it feel like a respite on a hot day -- probably a great local resource. However, the park had serious trash issues (not so much glass shards as lots of soda bottles and other containers) and a handful of Old Guys hanging around even on a hot Sunday morning, so it needs a little attention to bring it up to the realm of destination. Still, better than average for a summer day with the toddler set. No idea whether it sees any extra traffic when the school across the street is in session.
Overall rating: 7 (toddler area, 8; older kids, 6)

Hope to be posting here soon!

2010-06-04T13:39:00.002-04:00

You'd think that if we were visiting playgrounds in December, we'd be well underway in June, but our daughter has gotten a little shy about Big Kids, and we've gotten a little crushed by spring obligations. Have identified our next targets, so hopefully some updates in the next couple of weeks!

Newish arrival in Fairmount: Eastern State Playpen

2009-12-10T21:22:00.005-05:00

Playground: Eastern State Playpen
Location: NW corner of Eastern State Penitentiary, corner of 22nd and Brown (gate on Brown, but only a low wall around the site)
Date visited: 12/10/09

Equipment: One zone, with one sprawling playset composed of a single (nice, plastic) slide, several unusual types of ladders, a large fake rock climbing portion (that can be reached from the slide platform, but also scaled vertically at various degrees of difficulty), and a good-sized "jungle gym" in the style of a tangly rope spiderweb (similar in feel to the much larger one at Smith Playhouse). Also a modern teeter-totter analogue (may need to be standing to use it), a sit-and-spin toy, and some play table space under the playset. A freestanding picnic umbrella must offer some shade to infants accompanying their siblings in warm weather. No swings!
material: modern resin & metal, plus rocks and ropes; scale: small
Ages: Playground posted as ages 2-12, which isn't far off
Surface: rubbery composite
Shade(0-3): 1* (see above)
Water: Y
Other: extensive grassy strip along the northern edge of the penitentiary.
Access: Officially posted as dawn to dusk

Impressions: Clearly a recent addition to the neighborhood, this playground does magic in a small space. Obviously there aren't a large number of pieces, but the equipment that there is does a remarkable job of presenting fun and creative options for many ages -- it actually comes close to covering the range that it aimed for, where most playgrounds end up challenging only the youngest visitors. Our 21-month-old loved the slide, was intrigued by the climbing rocks (but for the striking cold on the day of our visit, she would have attempted them, so parents of risk-takers should be prepared), and watched the bigger kids on the rope tangle for a while; we'll definitely visit again when her reach is a bit longer. The ropes and rocks mean that there are challenges even for haughty middleschoolers, while the easier steps to the slide, narrow tunnel through the rocks, and low play area (as well as the peripheral gizmos) offer plenty to the younger set, so this spot seems like a boon to families with a range of ages. The lack of swings is a bit of a bummer (and seems odd, given that there's plenty of real estate to the east that could have accommodated a set), but the presence of a drinking fountain is a pleasant rarity. A playground sign notes that the site gets lots of after-school traffic, so parents of smaller kids may want to avoid those times. Otherwise, a fun change of pace; great for combining with a tourist trip to the historic Penitentiary or with lunch at Jack's Fireouse!
Overall rating: 8+

Update 4/10: see first comment below: the "shade umbrella" is a water feature! spiff.
Update 7/11: it's actually a mister, that triggers when you push a button. great for a hot day, and no suits required!

This neighborhood deserves more: Tip Top playground

2009-12-02T21:30:00.002-05:00

Playground: Tip Top
Location: Front & Allen -- entrances on E & W sides
Date visited: 11/28/09

Equipment: Two playsets:

Smaller has a single platform with several ladders and one (boring) metal slide
Larger has a couple platforms, quite high (too high to lift a kid up to!) with lots of climbing options, a fireman's pole, and a long metal slide.

There is also a set of swings nearby, with two each strap and bucket swings.
material: modern resin + metal, worn and graffittied; scale: large space, with play equipment at one end
Ages: 2-8
Surface: rubbery around equipment; blacktop elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 0
Water: N
Other: Lots of additional blacktop space, one portion enclosed in high fence.
Access: Unmarked -- dawn to dusk?

Impressions: While the actual play equipment here was basically fine for a range of ages (if a bit weathered), the combination of a large expanse of unstructured blacktop and the proximity to the highway and SEPTA train bridges make this feel like the middle of nowhere. In fact, there are a number of decent townhouses nearby (on the W & N sides), and the snazzy new Piazza development (*) is about a block away, so somebody should be creating pressure for better development of this lot. At the very least, some of the random blacktop could be made into basketball courts; the addition of some grassy area and a few picnic tables could really turn it into a community presence. Heck, they could even capitalize on the spectacle of the passing commuter trains by throwing in some kind of train-themed climbing or riding equipment (promotional funds, anyone?), just to give it some kind of unique personality. As it is, visitors sort of have to bring their own fun.
Overall rating: 6+

Nice for the smaller set: Northern Liberties Rec. Center

2009-12-02T21:08:00.006-05:00

Playground: Northern Liberties Rec. Center
Location: On 3rd, just N. of Fairmount (W. side)
Date visited: 11/28/09

Equipment: One playset (modern resin & metal), including a straight metal slide, curved plastic slide, solid bridge, and several sorts of stairs and ladders. Two bucket swings nearby.
Ages: 1-5ish
Surface: rubbery under equipment, blacktop elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 1
Water: Y
Other: basketball court (torn nets, but end of season); pool on other side of fence (entered through rec. center).
Access: Nothing posted; playground was open when rec. center was closed. Basketball courts had lights on poles, one of which was aimed back toward the playground, so could be open later than usual "dawn to dusk" default...

Impressions: Cute little playground for tots and smaller kids, sandwiched beween the Northern Liberties Rec. Center (closed at our visit), the new Community Center, and other local homes and restaurants. Neighborhoody feel. Decent equipment, creative and in good shape, but nothing for school-age kids once the water sprayer (which claims about 1/4 of the total area) is off. Couldn't judge normal traffic, as we visited during a holiday weekend, but it certainly wouldn't take too many kids to fill the place up...
Overall rating: 7

Climbing ribbon! (and it's called Chew!)

2009-11-25T23:02:00.008-05:00

Playground: Chew
Location: 19th and Ellsworth (enter on Ellsworth)
Date visited: 11/25/09

Equipment: Nice small-tot set of equipment (4 sets of steps, 1 ladder, 2 slides, bridge, "lunch counter" underneath), 4 bucket swing, 4 strap swings, Decent but not-so-extensive equipment for older kids (3 ladders, 1 slide, quarter-barrel to climb up, monkey-bar rotating circles), Very cool "climbing ribbon" -- climbing wall in the shape of a quite twisty ribbon and very tall (maybe 10 feet tall?)
Ages: small-tot to 8ish, though climbing ribbon seems good for even up to high school
Surface: rubberized play surface
Shade(0-3): 0
Water: none
Other: baseball field (crummy looking), batting cage, pool, rec center
Access: rec center is open M-F 1-9:30; unknown if gate to playground is open at other times

Impressions: Main equipment is pretty nice and in decent shape, right about average in terms of size and variety. Climbing ribbon is quite cool, though probably only usable for older kids (maybe 5-year-olds with supervision?). Restricted hours also a significant downside. Unfortunate view of Washington Avenue (though a block away), but overall setting is fairly nice.
Overall rating: 7

Perfectly nice, but more average than its namesake

2009-11-25T22:44:00.003-05:00

Playground: Marian Anderson
Location: 17th & Fitzwater (enter on 17th)
Date visited: 11/24/09

Equipment: Minimal small-tot set of equipment (steps, 2 ladders, 2 slides), teeter-totter, 4 bucket swings, 4 strap swings, Good older-kid set of equipment (5 ladders, 4 slides, poles, bridge, monkey bars), Cool "spaceship" -- 4-foot high pod that can be climbed into from a pair of parallel short ladders
Ages: toddler to 7ish
Surface: rubberized surfaces for each play area
Shade(0-3): 1 -- some trees are the periphery, and the outfield wall may provide a little
Water: none
Other: large & nice baseball field (playground is just over outfield fence), batting cage, pool, rec center
Access: Rec center hours are M-F 1-10 PM, Sat 9-5. There is a small gate on 17th that was open when visited (despite rec center being closed) -- not sure if that's a common occurrence

Impressions: Particularly nice amount of space, with good separation between the various play zones and several benches around. Even relatively scenic between the baseball field, rec center murals, and relatively quiet streets around. Equipment is fairly average (and scant for younger kids) but in decent shape. Rec Center is not particularly welcoming (no posted hours), but then that seems to be the way Philly rec centers are, and is not really the fault of the playground (though it does make it unpredictable whether you can access the playground outside of the official rec center hours, not to mention being able to find out what those hours are...)
Overall rating: 7

Running and climbing, free from cars: Penn's central square

2009-11-22T14:21:00.007-05:00

Playground: Levy Park on the U.Penn. campus
Location: follow the walkway SW from 34th & Walnut, or North (then E) from 36th and Spruce
Date visited: several times in summer/fall 2009

Equipment: Paved walkways, grassy areas, a large button sculpture that can be clambered on, a flight of sub-standard-size steps, and grassy hills of various steepness.
Ages: 1-3
Surface: Grass, stone, pavement.
Shade(0-3): 2
Water: N
Other: People-watching, benches, occasional events.
Access: college campus green, with expected flows of traffic and occasional events.

Impressions: A great change of pace for new walkers and other explorers -- this campus expanse offers grassy areas good for lounging, picnicking, or playing, as well as walkways in many directions, all of which is well buffered from automobile traffic. Additional great toddler features include the famous Button sculpture, which is irresitable to young climbers (who can drop down through the holes), and a flight of shortish steps (look to your left when facing the button and library) that make for great practice stairs -- my 18-21-month old and I average 6-8 trips up and down per visit. She also loves running down the grassy hill at the end of her more serious work... Downsides include large numbers of pedestrians, depending on the time of day, and occasional tents or other activities that take over the prime real estate here. Upsides include numerous restaurants and coffee shops in the vicinity (especially along Walnut and Sansom). For those with kids who love buses as much as mine does, this plaza also makes a great cross-town destination; catch the 42 or 21 on Walnut (get off at 34th) or the 40 along Lombard (get off on Spruce after it returns from its detour) for a pleasant outing.
Overall rating: 9 (for toddlers only)

A tiny playspace: 10th & Mt. Vernon

2009-11-22T10:14:00.002-05:00

Playground: "10th & Lemon" (rec center?)
Location: In the middle of the block just W of 10th, gates on Mt. Vernon and Lemon (a tiny street)
Date visited: 11/18/09

Equipment: Two zones separated by a low stone wall (fun to walk along):

The tot zone has a very low playset with a single plastic slide and a chain of monkey bars. One plus was an unusual climbing structure like the outside of a barrel (effect between a climbing wall and a ladder). Also two bucket swings in this zone.
Not really a full zone; a set of higher strap swings is accompanied by a single tall slide, maybe 15 feet tall, a free-standing nerve-challenger with a spiral metal descent.

Outside the seeming boundaries of the playground (on the N side) was a very cute shallow pool for water play, complete with colorful animals that must spray (a seal, duck, whale, and frog). This was, of course, turned off in November.

Material: modern resin and metal, a bit worn; scale: small.
Ages: toddler and brave older kids
Surface: rubbery around equipment, concrete elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 1
Water: Y
Other: Paved area, stone chess table, broken-down basketball court.
Access: dawn-dusk? (no gates)

Impressions: Tucked inside a small block, this playground would be easy to miss -- apparently for the city too. The basketball court is embarrassing to see, although the water pool and nearby murals are cheery. The play equipment was ok, but only for the littlest kids (our 21-month-old was not engaged by the playset, and not old/nervy enough for the big slide). No idea whether it gets much play; during our visit on a sunny fall afternoon, we had the place to ourselves.
Overall rating: 4

An abandoned playzone: East Poplar playground

2009-11-22T09:51:00.006-05:00

Playground: East Poplar
Location: On 8th Street, W side, between Poplar and Brown (closer to Brown) -- entrances on 8th and from under train bridge (W)
Date visited: 11/18/09

Equipment: Three loose zones:

One would be good for crawlers and small tots -- it involves two low cement climbing turtles and an abstract sculptural element in-between. The turtles appear to be water elements/squirters, but the presence of a climbing object between them may mean that they're no longer functional. (There was nobody around to ask.)
A small kids zone has two slides, some climbing equipment, and a stretch of monkey bars. There is also a bar for swings, but with nothing hanging there.
An area for slightly larger kids has two structures: (a) a two-level playset with a wide metal slide at each height and some monkey bars, and (b) an intriguing pair of "lookout towers" that could each be climbed via an internal "submarine-style" ladder; however, the (tunnel) walkway connecting them is missing, leaving an alarming gap. There's also a stand for 4 swings in this area, but there aren't even chains hanging there.

material: modern "resin and metal" style, but very worn, with cracked coatings; scale: medium space.
Ages: 1-5?
Surface: rubbery uner equipment, blacktop elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 1
Water: ?
Other: pool, basketball courts, tennis courts, picnic tables, a large grassy area, rec. center
Access: dawn to dusk? (no gates)

Impressions: Lots of color here, but desperately needs some love in terms of both upkeep and variety -- our 21-month-old was barely challenged by the "bigger kids" equipment (although she loved the taller slide). The complete lack of swings is really a sin -- feels like a concession of defeat. It may be that this location is a little outside of any particular neighborhood (it's between the train bridge and an Orthodox church, with houses a block or two away), such that there's nobody to advocate for this playground and demand reasonable upkeep, but surely the area could use better options.
Overall rating: 3

Parts West: A Playground in Mantua

2009-11-15T20:03:00.004-05:00

Playground: 39th & Olive playground
Location: On 39th at Olive (just north of Fairmount), entrances on 39th
Date visited: 11/15/09

Equipment: Two main zones, separated by a partial fence:

Younger kids' section has 3 "hobby horse" sort of riding toys on springs, 4 bucket swings, and one playset with numerous ladders, a solid bridge, and two rather simple (metal) slides.
Older kids' area has lots of climbing options, to various heights of the main playset, which also has a crawl tunnel, fireman's pole, and 4 total (metal) slides including a high straight and a steep spiral one. Also 6 strap swings and a free-standing additional climbing structure in this area. Nearby are a pair of stone seals that must provide overlapping sprays of water in summertime.

material: modern resin, but weathered, with metal slides; scale: large space
Ages: 1-10?
Surface: rubbery around equipment, asphalt elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 0
Water: Y
Other: Swimming pool, basketball courts (3, with bleachers), open blacktop areas, small rec. center, nearby park-like area with benches and gravel/clay, grass, and woodchip-covered areas.
Access: 6AM - 10PM

Impressions: Nice mix of equipment would serve a range of ages and activities. However, the hilly terrain, while fun for a new walker, also attracts lots of skateboarders and bladers (the only other users during our visit, probable ages 6-10), which could be tricky when busy, especially in the tot area. Also, there appeared to be quite a bit of broken glass, both new (a couple of smashed bottles) and old (tiny shards imbedded in the play surface). The effect of several cheerful murals is undermined by a lot of Sharpie graffitti on unpainted parts of the equipment -- something of a reflection of the depressed state of the neighborhood.
Overall rating: 6

New site resource: Map of known playgrounds

2009-11-09T16:44:00.005-05:00

Our fall has been horrible with some home contracting work and other distractions, so haven't been adding reviews here as fast as we'd like to. Meantime, are developing a really important resource: a map of all the playgrounds that we've been able to identify, whether from the Recreation Department website, other parents' recommendations, or our own reconaissance, whether or not we've visited them yet. (The version below is a small window onto the whole.) Have put "thought-bubble" markers on reviewed playgrounds, with links to our reviews, and marked all the rest (not quite complete as of posting, but soon) with small black icons, so that you can at least see what options might exist near you or near someplace you're headed. Will also get a link to this built into the blog header/sidebar in the next few days. Hope this is helpful!

View playgrounds in a larger map

Fringes of Fairmount: Francisville Rec. Center playground

2009-10-03T17:58:00.005-04:00

Playground: Francisville
Location: officially 1750 Wiley, close to 19th and Brown -- fills whole irregular city block (enter on W or E sides; many gates)
Date visited: 10/3/09

Equipment: Two zones, widely separated:

Tiny tot zone has a quite low playset with several types of climbing access but only one (metal) slide, two bucket swings nearby. A little ways off, near the entrance, is a cute old train-shaped climbing bar apparatus.
Older kid zone (fenced) has a larger playset with two levels, one having two shorter (plastic) slides with bumps and turns and various types of ladders, and the other having a single higher (metal) straight slide (and taller ladders). A solid arched bridge connects the two. Also strap swings nearby and an old-fashioned free-standing metal slide (7 feet tall?).

material: modern resin, somewhat weathered; scale: large
Ages: 1-7?
Surface: rubbery around equipment, blacktop elswhere (or grass)
Shade(0-3): 1
Water: Y (angled spray? off at visit)
Other: rec. center, pool, basketball courts, ball fields, extra blacktop and grassy areas
Access: dawn to dusk?

Impressions: Extensive playground and recreation center fills a block at the boundary between nicely tended rowhouses and abandoned lots; a number of cheery murals attest to the neighborhood's determination to come out on top. Lots of parking is available all around. The playground is also large and inviting, and everything is in good condition, although the playsets look weathered and there are big divots in the composite surface under the swings. The equipment, however, is a little uninspiring in practice, being a bit too reliant on ladder permutations at the expense of other types of play. Overall, a good neighborhood resource, but not a cross-town attractor.
Overall rating: 6

Cheesesteak Central: Capitolo Playground

2009-10-02T21:37:00.006-04:00

Playground: Capitolo
Location: 900 Federal St (South Philadelphia)
Date visited: Sep. 22, 2009

Equipment: 2 sets of apparatus, one for toddlers (climbable even for crawlers, two slides, longish bridge with 90-degree turn) and one for slightly older kids (several slides including a one spiral and one with moguls, and several climbing access points). 8 swings (4 bucket and 4 strap). 1 sprinkler. 2 riding-animals on springs
Ages: toddlers, maybe up to early elementary age?
Surface: rubberized around the aparatus, sidewalk elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 2 (fair collection of small trees around the whole area)
Water: Y -- one tall-ish sprinker (not operating when visited)
Other: extensive rec. center facilities, with fields and courts, etc.
Access: several blocks south of Washington Ave. on 9th St, also close to 47 bus line

Impressions: Playground is fairly big and a part of a block-sized recreational complex including a large baseball field and a community center. Oh, and did I mention that it's DIRECTLY ACROSS THE STREET FROM GENO'S STEAKS? It's quite an odd experience sitting in a playground with an intense odor of cheesesteaks surrounding you. Apart from that, it's quite a nice environment. The main equipment itself is fairly standard and a bit underwhelming for older kids, but everything is in decent shape, there are ample swings, and even a few small extras (ride-on animals, sprinkler). Plus, you're a block from a cute cafe at 8th and Wharton (shameless plug).
Overall rating: 6

Not a playground, but magic to new walkers: Jefferson's Lubert Plaza

2009-09-13T14:30:00.003-04:00

Playground: Jefferson Hospital's Lubert Plaza
Location: 10th and Locust (not fenced)
Date visited: several times in summer '09

Equipment: open plaza (almost 1.5 acres), steps of various heights, fountain: This is designed as a multipurpose plaza with cement/stone circular center and alternating bands of grass and stone. Steps around the plaza ramp gradually from milimeters to full step height.
Ages: 1-2
Surface: grass or pavement/stone
Shade(0-3): 0
Water: N
Other: grassy areas and stone benches
Access: open plaza, subject to occasional events (no idea of night policy)

Impressions: This public plaza that Jefferson built as part of its impressive new Hamilton Building's site is a boon for new walkers. I set down my 16-month-old, expecting her to race around the open space, but instead I discovered that it was the perfect "gym" for her driving desire to walk on changing surfaces and especially up and down small steps. The sweeping ramp-like walkways offer a range of step height, from tiny lip to full stairstep, so there's something for any toddler to successfully navigate solo. Plus, the small fountain on the east side, with its playful bronze otters, is a big hit. Too hot on sunny summer days, but otherwise an unexpected favorite!
Overall rating: 9* (new walkers only)

A challenge for older kids: McCall School playground

2009-09-13T10:33:00.005-04:00

Playground: McCall School
Location: 7th St. between Pine and Spruce
Date visited: 9/9/09

Equipment: 1 playset + a couple of extra pieces. Several types of climbing, 3 slides, solid and jointed bridges. Also a 6-foot set of vertical climbing walls, some modified teeter-totter equivalents, and a play "service window" under the playset.
material: modern resin and metal, climbing wall hard plastic; scale: med-large
Ages: 3-middle school?
Surface: composite tiles around equipment, tarmac elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 0
Water: N
Other: School yard includes low basketball, wall for hitting tennis balls, and painted zones for hopscotch, 4-square, etc.
Access: ? after school hours, at least

Impressions: I never thought that this play yard would be open to the public until I walked by it one late afternoon and it was -- no idea what their official hours/policies are, but the existence of posted rules indicates that they anticipate at least some non-school use. This was, however, the first playground at which I felt all the equipment was too tricky for our 18-month-old -- the jointed bridge had wide planks and big gaps, the slides were steep, etc. (She did enjoy the crawl-through holes in the climbing wall, as well as the slight give in the solid bridge, but we got rained out of testing our limits more than that.) This makes sense, since McCall serves kids K-8th grade. Nice for kids of the right age, if you can avoid a hot sunny day; the climbing walls especially seem fierce, but fun.
Overall rating: 8

A historic site + highway: Shot Tower tot lot

2009-09-08T17:45:00.003-04:00

Playground: Shot Tower
Location: Front and Carpenter (gate on Carpenter)
Date visited: 9/5/09

Equipment: Two playsets, not particularly separated:

smaller has 3 slides, some climbing stuff
larger has 2 slides, a straight bridge (with no real bars!), and curvy monkey/horizontal bars

Also strap and bucket (2) swings nearby.
material: modern resin and metal, a little weathered, some metal slides; scale: medium
Ages: 0-8
Surface: rubbery composite under play equipment, concrete elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 1 (some on smaller set + swings)
Water: Y*
Other: grassy (ball) field adjacent -- marked for kids 12 and under only -- benches, rec center
Access: closes at dusk, but gate has some specific hours that may or may not match that. (forgot to write them down!)

Impressions: Serviceable but uninspired play equipment (although one set of the smaller slides were quite fun), against the background din of I-95 across the street (overhead). A single water sprayer in a round pool is tucked back by the far end of the rec center, where it would be easy to miss, as are two wooden picnic tables. Probably a great resource for the neighborhood of rowhouses and newer highrises -- certainly somebody lovingly maintains a number of cheerful planters full of flowers -- but nothing one would go out of the way for. Plus: on other side of the highway underpass is a historic church with an extensive grassy churchyard that would make a nice picnic site. (They appear to have a daycare or preschool, which might generate some business for the Shot Tower park.)
Overall rating: 6

The eye of the storm: Von Colln playground

2009-09-05T12:30:00.004-04:00

Playground: Von Colln
Location: 23rd & Franklin Parkway (easiest to enter from Pennsylvania Avenue, but unfenced...)
Date visited: 8/30/09

Equipment: one playset, including four slides and one solid bridge, a variety of climbing stuff and monkey bars, and some zones underneath for playing hot dog stand, etc. Sets of bucket and strap swings nearby.
material: modern resin and metal; scale: medium-small space.
Ages: toddler through elementary age
Surface: rubbery composite under equipment, dirt elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 3 (lots of big old trees)
Water: N
Other: picnic tables, ball fields, extensive (sunny) grassy space, small rec. center
Access: dawn-dusk (no fence)

Impressions: This very shady playround feels friendly and neighborhoody despite its location close to the base of the Art Museum, with accompanying swirl of traffic. Great for a hot day or with a picnic in hand, and attracts a nice variety of users, but not huge or offering much for the smallest or older kids. Pluses: its small playset is more creative and interesting than many larger ones, and the banks of swings make you feel part of a group gathering. Minus: the challenge of parking anywhere close, or the amount of busy traffic that must be navigated to get here from the nearby neighborhoods. Overall, wouldn't drive across town for this one, but it's a nice resource for the neighborhood and more tucked away than would seem possible at this location.
Overall rating: 7

Colorful but exposed: Palumbo playground

2009-09-01T13:56:00.005-04:00

Playground: Palumbo
Location:10th & Fitzwater (usually enter through the rec center on 10th, but sometimes the gate on Fitzwater is open too)
Date visited: 8/26/09

Equipment: Two different structures in close proximity, one labelled "2-5" with stairs, a solid bridge, and two slides, the other labelled "5-8" has taller sections, longer slides (including a twisty one), and climbing bars. There are also two sets of swings (bucket and strap) and a spinning seat.
material: modern resin, but with metal slides; scale: small fenced space
Ages: 1-6?
Surface: spongy composite, but cut into tiles that are separating a bit
Shade(0-3): 0 (a little in late afternoon)
Water: N
Other: playing fields (softball? soccer?) nearby, rec center, bathrooms
Access: 1:30 - 10p in summer (the rec center is definitely closed in the mornings year 'round)

Impressions: The equipment here is colorful and enticing, and has some creative elements -- our toddler enjoys playing there. However, it feels really exposed to the sun in summer months, which means everybody and everything gets hot fast, and the space is tight enough that it can't handle a horde. Also, the hours are restricted and variable by season, although some daycare groups appear to have it figured out. On the plus side, the delightful Morning Glory Cafe is right across the street, which makes it well placed as a combination with late lunch.
Overall rating: 7