Sunday, September 21, 2008

Hunt Memorial Playground, Reading MA

Review: Great toddler playground. Pretty easy to manage with twin toddlers/preschoolers. Every piece of equipment is geared for the 2-5 age group. More details to come.

Hours: 'til dusk
Fees:
Parking:
Accessibility (for wheelchairs, etc.):
Fences/Gates:
Structures:
Swings:
Sandbox:
Tables and Benches:
Ground Cover:
Sun/Shade:
Restrooms:
Refreshments:
Restrictions:
Safety Concerns:
Playing Fields:
Other Activities:

Friday, September 21, 2007

Tot Lot, Reading, MA


More Images of the Tot Lot

Review: Toddler friendly, fenced and gated playground.
Good for toddler twins. Easy to keep up with multiple toddlers at once, even for just one parent.

Bancroft Ave. at the end of Hartshorn St. in Birch Meadow Park
Link to the Tot Lot Map

Hours: Public Park, open 'til dusk
Fees: none
Parking: large parking lot for all park facilities
Accessibility (for wheelchairs, etc.): wide gate and plenty of room to maneuver for wheelchairs and double strollers
Fences/Gates: fenced and gated
Structures: 2 metal and plastic for ages 2-5 OR 5-12
Swings: 2 infant/toddler, 2 regular, 1 special needs
Sandbox: none
Tables and Benches: no tables, 1 bench
Ground Cover: rubber mulch
Sun/Shade: partially shaded
Restrooms: none
Refreshments: none
Restrictions: no pets allowed
Safety Concerns: climbing wall might be problematic for younger toddlers.
Playing Fields: Tennis Courts and other playing fields nearby
Other Activities: close to downtown and Reading Public Library but it would be quite a hike.

Simond's Park Playground, Burlington MA

Review: Lots of fun for young twins, but only with a helper. The fully fenced, gated playground is huge and keeping keeping track of multiple toddlers can be difficult if they take off in different directions.

Entrance off of Bedford St
Burlington, MA 01803
Link to Simond's Park Map

Hours: Public Park open 'til dusk
Fees: none
Parking: large parking lot, but it fills up during baseball games.
Accessibility (for wheelchairs, etc.): wide gate and brick pathways make it easy to navigate double strollers and wheelchairs.
Fences/Gates: fenced and gated, two gates, but many parents and children leave them standing open.
Structures: 3 structures, under 2, ages 2-5, ages 5-12
Swings: 4 infant/toddler swings, 1 accessible swing, 4 standard swings, 1 tire swing
Sandbox: none
Tables and Benches: several benches inside the fenced playground, picnic tables and grills just outside the playground
Ground Cover: wood mulch
Sun/Shade: no shade, very hot in the summer
Restrooms: yes, but only open limited hours
Refreshments: yes, nice refreshement stand but only open limited hours, also water fountain available.
Restrictions:
Safety Concerns: the play area is huge and it is very hard to keep track of more than one toddler if you are alone, the older children are often very rough with the little ones.
Playing Fields: baseball and much more
Other Activities: wading pool near the playground, but only for Burlington residents

Rahanis Park Playground, Burlington, MA

Review: Fenced off from the road and parking lot, but no gates at the entrances, and the playground is open to the basketball courts and playing fields. One toddler structure, and two infant/toddler swings but overall, this playground is best suited to older preschoolers and older children. Not great for twin toddlers with only one adult. More details to come.

Parking for the playground is located off of Mill Street.

Hours: 'til dusk
Fees:
Parking:
Accessibility (for wheelchairs, etc.):
Fences/Gates:
Structures:
Swings:
Sandbox:
Tables and Benches:
Ground Cover:
Sun/Shade:
Restrooms:
Refreshments:
Restrictions:
Safety Concerns:
Playing Fields:
Other Activities:

Playground at Livingston Street Recreational Area, Tewksbury, MA

Review: Large fenced and gated playground. Several large play structures for toddlers, preschoolers, and older children. Infant/toddler swings, regular swings, and sand pit with toys. You will need two adults to manage twin toddlers. More details to come.

253 Livingston St
Tewksbury, MA 01876

Hours: 'til dusk
Fees:
Parking:
Accessibility (for wheelchairs, etc.):
Fences/Gates:
Structures:
Swings:
Sandbox:
Tables and Benches:
Ground Cover:
Sun/Shade:
Restrooms:
Refreshments:
Restrictions:
Safety Concerns:
Playing Fields:
Other Activities: