Normally if I am going to downtown Raleigh, I take the kids to either Marbles or Pullen Park. We love both of these places, but they do require quite a time commitment. So, if you are downtown and only have a few playtime minutes to spare, this park is a nice one to try.
The playground is fenced in on 3 out of 4 sides. The side that is not fenced is quite long, but this is NOT an enclosed playground. They do have fences on the sides closest to the streets, so it is better than none at all.
The younger children side’s (2-5 years) and older children’s side is separated by an an area with a large tree and a basketball structure that is really hard to describe.
Part of that structure is this piece… a perfect size for my 3 year old. The park had a couple basketballs laying around to use.
The other structures are much higher, taller than regulation sized hoops. I was not able to get a picture to do it justice, so you will have to see it for yourself 🙂
The older children’s area is pretty challenging, like Leesville Park. This picture gives you an idea of how large of an area is not enclosed.
The playground surfaces are rubberized, between the 2 sections is the basketball sculpture, dirt/mulch and a large tree that offers morning shade to the toddler sized area. The big kids area is pretty direct sun. My kids had a great time collecting acorns from under the tree and watching them race down the slide.
If you’re looking for more of a lazy parenting spot with an enclosed area, there’s also a community center onsite that hosts open gym periodically. It’s comparable to Abbott’s Creek Tot Time, but you’ll have to bring your own toys!
Pro’s:
- Rubberized surface, which is probably better for the youngest of toddlers who are crawling and/or like to eat mulch.
- 2 bucket and 2 belt swings
- Next to a community center with nice bathrooms and a changing table as long as community center is open
- Partially enclosed (although I would love to see them fully enclose this park, especially since they are over half way there).
- Free and convenient parking at the community center, which can be hard to find downtown.
Con’s
- The tot side still has good bit of climbing. My 20 month old was able to negotiate the stairs and slide but he is not quite ready for a rock wall
- This park has a little music section, which I usually love (see top pictures). But most of the instruments are up too high for the 2-5 year old crowd
If you are in the area this playground is worth stopping by, but I wouldn’t necessarily make an extra trip.
However, if they ever fully enclose this park it would go up on my list of favorites!
Where do you think we should explore next?