A variety of play options: Monkiewicz Rec. Center

Playground: Monkiewicz
Location: On Alleghany at I-95/Richmond
Date visited: 8/18/12

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

1. Fenced zone for younger kids, including (a) four bucket swings, (b) two hobby horses (stiff, as usual), (c) medium height "space pods" connected by a bridge, (d) a low playset with miscellaneous climbing, a solid bridge, straight metal and curved plastic slides; there is also a circular water feature here with colorful painted ocean scenes and four sprayers, but it was not on during our visit.
2. The other zone includes (a) an older style jungle gym (a horizontal half-cylinder with misc. ladder elements), (b) room for four strap swings, all missing, (c) a tall playset including spiral plastic slides, monkey bars, and tall climbing.

Ages: 1-10
Surface: rubbery/cement/blacktop
Shade(0-3): 0
Water: Y?
Other: tennis, some grass, bike rack, pool, rec. center, basketball, fenced rink (= hockey? soccer?), baseball fields, brick playspace
Access: unmarked

Impressions: Decent offerings, but cut off from residential neighborhoods by busy streets on three sides, which explains its slightly underloved feel (especially the missing swings). Nice to have a huge grassy space for kicking a ball, a rarity throughout the city.
Overall rating: 6

Fun for the younger set: Frank Glavin playground

Playground: Frank Glavin
Location: On Westmoreland between Almond and Mercer
Date visited: 8/12/12

Equipment: Two zones:

• The smaller kid zone has (a) two very low "space pods" connected by a solid bridge/tunnel; (b) a low playset including straight metal and curved plastic slides, 3-foot platforms, miscellaneous climbing (including the beginner-friendly "barrel stave" style), and a store front underneath; and (c) four bucket swings. Also in this area are a pair of seals that look like they should be water sprayers, although they were not on during our visit (1:30pm on Saturday).
• Bigger kid zone has a taller playset with a straight metal slide, curved monkey bars, and lots of climbing. Also six strap swings in this area.

Ages: 1-10
Surface: rubbery around equipment; blacktop elsewhere
Shade(0-3): 0
Water: Y?
Other: basketball, extra blacktop with painted games, rec. center
Access: 6am-10pm

Impressions: Friendly neighborhood playground offers decent equipment for a range of ages, although in practice it will appeal most to the younger set (say, 2-6) due to the enticing options in the smaller zone. Hot on a summer sunny day with no shade and metal slides, but could be fun with the water turned on...
Pro: Both the Mercer Cafe and the Aramingo Diner are close by for brunch/lunchtime options.
Overall rating: 7