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.
