Recently Cameron and I went to explore a playground that I had been hearing so many great things about. It’s the South Oxford Park, located on South Oxford Street at Atlantic Commons (Between Hanson Place and Atlantic Ave). Although it sounds off the beaten path, it’s just down the street from Music Together and the Beer Garden Der Schwarze Kölner – so really you’ve most likely been right near it, and never knew! Well, weather this park is near you – or not, it is most definitely worth the trek.
Half of the park is a huge AstroTurf field – although quite sunny, it’s a nice open place for the kids to play. We brought bubbles and some balls. Cam had fun exploring the space. It almost feels a little suburban there, with the Atlantic Commons town homes surrounding you, and not a whole lot of street traffic to speak of. The park also has some tennis courts, which I hear are much less busy than the ones at Fort Greene Park.
Down a path you will see large cattails that look like sculpture, but they actually form a water feature that I’ve been told is pretty great. Unfortunately, it’s not on quite yet, but should be after Memorial Day. Past the sprinklers is a nice little playground. It’s got a great slide that ends close to the ground – perfect for Cameron’s daredevil head first sliding technique since there’s no big drop off at the end. The ground also has rubber padding. Although the playground is better for kids a little older than my little guy (17 months) he navigated it just fine, and found many fun things to explore. This is certainly a playground we can grow into – and believe me, we will be back, many, many times!
One of the most popular playgrounds in Fort Greene is the small playground located in Fort Greene Park near the intersection of DeKalb Ave and Washington Park. Although it can be fun to visit this playground because you are practically guaranteed to run into someone you know, it certainly has its downsides : It’s crowded, and in the summer, ridiculously hot (there is no shade whatsoever to speak of). There’s not a lot of play equipment, and the swings (only 4 of them) face directly into the sun at pretty much all hours. A lot of people think this is the only playground in Fort Greene Park, and have never ventured over to the large and lovely one on the opposite corner of the park (at Myrtle and St. Edwards St.)
This playground, called New Fort Greene / Fort Greene Park Playground is HUGE! In 1995 almost $1.2 million was spent on its renovation – and it shows! Built in the shape of a fort, it has lots of levels, slides, and other obstacles to explore. There’s 8 baby swings, and a separate baby/toddler playground. The ground is lined with those soft rubber pads, which is great for early walkers. There is also a nice water feature, and bathrooms. It has great shade no matter what hour of the day. Also, the playground is almost always pretty empty. Often when I tell people about New Fort Greene, they seem concerned that it might not be safe. While I wouldn’t play there in the evenings, I think during the day it’s perfectly safe – I myself have never felt uncomfortable there. Just be sure to keep an eye on your belongings (which, I would recommend you do at any neighborhood playground).
If you’re tired of the crowds at the other playground in Fort Greene Park, or need to escape the summer heat, consider checking out New Fort Greene. It will be a fun adventure for your little one!
Posted from New York, New York, United States.
Yesterday Cameron and I headed towards Clinton Hill Library for Story Time, but we were a little early, so I decided to pay a visit to Greene Playground (located next to PS 11 on Greene between Waverly and Washington Ave in Clinton Hill). I went to this playground for the first time a few weeks ago with some other moms for a playgroup. I fell in love! Although it is just one block away from Underwood Playground, it is often MUCH less crowded. In fact, yesterday, Cameron and I had the whole place to ourselves.
Greene Playground has two sets of equipment – one is great for toddlers because it has a big ramp instead of lots of stairs. It’s also got some bells, and a twisty slide which ends pretty close to the ground – no big drop off at the end. There are 6 baby swings as well. The other set of equipment has some rings to swing on, a few bridges, a bigger twisty slide, and a few steps – although none of them were too big for Cameron to handle. There is also a set of “big kid” swings. The base of the playground is that soft rubbery stuff, which is nice for babies learning to walk that happen to fall a lot (namely Cameron!) There is also a small sprinkler (not on yet – but soon!)
So, if you are at Underwood and it gets a little too crowded and crazy, consider walking down the block to Greene Playground. It’s a breath of fresh air, and a gem of a playground!
Posted from New York, New York, United States.
I went out for a walk this morning through Fort Greene Park and saw everyone enjoying the snow – building snowmen, playing on the playground, and of course, sledding. I came upon a mom using a laundry basket as a sled for her little one (quite successfully I might add!) The basket was gliding through the snow briskly, and she had a rope tied around her waist to move it along. I am always impressed by mom genius! So, you might not have a sled, but I know for sure you have a laundry basket! Get out there and enjoy it!
So Smart!
Never to snowy to play!
My favorite park in the Fort Greene neighborhood is “Camel Park” on Dekalb between Carlton and Adelphi. It’s got great baby swings in the shade, and a nice sprinkler. Cameron loves it!
Posted from New York, New York, United States.
