The last time our family saw Andrews Grove park in Long Island City it had been freshly devastated by Superstorm Sandy. The large walnut trees that lined the back of the park had fallen down, turning the jungle gyms into piles of twisted metal.

But, now nearly three years later, Andrews Grove is back and a real gem in an area with a bunch of really nice parks.

The park is not very big or flashy so it remains pretty quiet which is really nice on a lazy mid-morning park excursion. The jungle gyms are rebuilt to resemble tree houses, which fit in great with the row of new trees that are growing behind them. My favorite part of the park, though, is the water feature. While just three upright sprayers, they are shaped like logs with giant squirrels perched on top of them. It’s a small thing but gives the park character.

Shade – Lots of trees around the edges
Water feature – Yes
Bathrooms – No
Sand – No
Grass – No

Editor’s Note: This look at Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City is part of an occasional series reviewing the parks and playgrounds in the NYC area.

There is something to be said about parks within walking distance from your home (we have five), but I’ve always enjoyed discovering new parks in different parts of town.

It was a late Saturday afternoon, on a beautiful day, so I packed up the car and headed over to Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City, specifically Gantry Plaza Spray Park. I knew the water would be off, but we were still good to go.

The playground is on the East River facing the United Nations building and slightly to the left of the giant Pepsi sign. It is very modern with lots of climbing apparatus, a handful of slides and lots of room for imaginative play. The floor is all rubberized and gets a little hot in the summer, but that is why God invented Crocs.

I like this park despite its terrible parking. It looks nice. It is spread out so kids have room to run and play. But it’s also small enough so a parent can easily keep an eye on multiple kids. And the water feature is really nice when the lifeguard is not on a break.

Gantry Plaza State Park features

Shade – Not so much

Water feature – Yes, it looks like a marsh and there is always a lifeguard on duty.

Bathrooms – Yes, in a converted trailer right by the entrance.

Sand – No.

Grass – Very little in the playground itself, but there is a massive field right next to the playground.