The sun came out for a few hours today so E and I threw on our jackets and ran outside to play.
Location:
Harborview Park is F1 on the parks map. It's right off the Bayshore Trail which E and I have walked MANY times. I've seen this park from a distance, but had never stopped to check it out. It wasn't hard to find at all (although I suggest getting directions from the internet. You have to wind through a few neighborhoods to get there.)Parking:
There are 11 parking spots (two handicap) and plenty of street parking. We got there right when the preschool across the street was getting started for the day. Even with the mass of parents dropping off their kids, I still saw a lot of street parking.
There are 11 parking spots (two handicap) and plenty of street parking. We got there right when the preschool across the street was getting started for the day. Even with the mass of parents dropping off their kids, I still saw a lot of street parking. Little Playground: Let me start by saying that the joint playground area of this park is HUGE! There was so much room for E to toddle around exploring!
The surface is seamless rubber (super soft and bouncy).
There are two playstructures in the little kids section alone. The first one is all about climbing (no slides, just levels and ropes).
The second one is more like a playhouse. It has a round "lookout" at the top of the stairs, complete with captains wheel,flag pole, binoculars, and bullhorn.
The surface is seamless rubber (super soft and bouncy).
There are two playstructures in the little kids section alone. The first one is all about climbing (no slides, just levels and ropes).
On the other side of the structure are two slides (gentle slopes and close to the ground) and a climbing wall. E was not really interested in the slides. He wanted to climb the wall (which he's definitely not big enough for yet) and play with the wheel, holes, binoculars, and other fun things in the lookout.
I loved how new and creative this structure was. The walls were too high for me to reach over and grab E if he was in need of help. Once he was in, he was there to stay which made me a little nervous. But, since all of the sides were enclosed (except for the slides) I wasn't too worried about him playing in there alone.
Animals: There are no animals allowed in this park. We saw 3 leashed dogs being walked to the Bayshore Trail, but all of the owners stayed respectfully on the outside of the park gates.
There is also a sand box in the little kids area with three froggy statues and a play table.
The biggest frog has a fountain that comes out of his head. When the weather gets warmer I think E will love playing in the water and sandy mud (bring a change of clothes)!
There are two toddler swings at this park! YAY! 
It also has free-standing features like a little tea-cup that spins and a climbing pole (the yellow pole behind the red cup).
E loved running from one thing to another. He had SOOO much to do! Slide, climb, swing, play in sand, spin in a cup, play underneath the big structure....wow!
The biggest frog has a fountain that comes out of his head. When the weather gets warmer I think E will love playing in the water and sandy mud (bring a change of clothes)!
There are two toddler swings at this park! YAY! 
It also has free-standing features like a little tea-cup that spins and a climbing pole (the yellow pole behind the red cup).
E loved running from one thing to another. He had SOOO much to do! Slide, climb, swing, play in sand, spin in a cup, play underneath the big structure....wow!Big Playground: This is definitely ONLY for the use of bigger kids. The structure is too high to climb to the top with a baby and the slides would be a bit scary. However, when E gets bigger I have a feeling that this will be one of his favorite parks because it also has MANY elements and swings.
Coverage: N-O-N-E! Wear sunscreen and hats FOR SURE! This is a great park of mornings and evenings...but a lunch time play date could ROAST in the summer at this completely uncovered park.
Coverage: N-O-N-E! Wear sunscreen and hats FOR SURE! This is a great park of mornings and evenings...but a lunch time play date could ROAST in the summer at this completely uncovered park.
Animals: There are no animals allowed in this park. We saw 3 leashed dogs being walked to the Bayshore Trail, but all of the owners stayed respectfully on the outside of the park gates.
Crowds: I have seen this park get fairly crowded. However, the size of the playground area alone would allow for LOTS of kids to be playing. It's next to a boys and girls club, and it looks like a popular afternoon hang out. If you want your park adventure to be just you and your child I would not choose this park.
What we liked: We both loved the space of this park! E felt free to run and run and I had no concerns about him falling down on the rubbery surface. I love that the park is gated. E could wander and I didn't have to follow three steps behind him. We also really liked the many different elements that were included in the playground (swings, a spinning cup, sand area, etc.) leaving no room for boredom. The concrete benches on the edge of the playground were a nice touch. It was great to have a close place to sit down and put a loose shoe back on.
What we didn't like: Being a fair, red-head...and the mother of a VERY fair child, I didn't like how exposed this park was. In the future we'll come prepared for sun, sun and more sun! I also felt like this park was very industrial. If you're looking for a peaceful, woodland, retreat, this park is not for you.
Those playgrounds are awesome! I love the picture of him in the swing just hanging out! So cute! Fun times - this park looks great!
ReplyDeleteOk, I love you for doing this blog!! It is the best for anyone who has or watches kids. There are so many hidden parks that I had no idea existed. Thanks for checking them out and reporting for the rest of us! You're the best!
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