Editor’s Note: This is part of our ongoing series reviewing parks and playgrounds in the NYC area. This one is written by NYC Dads Group member Niel Vuolo.
Isn’t it funny that children who hate showers love playing in the sprinklers?
That isn’t specific to Poppenhausen Playground in College Point, Queens, but it was the case as we pulled up to this small park, known to us as being that park that is a few blocks away from one of our Target stores.
The park with the funny name has an awesome sprinkler right in the middle, nestled between two climbing areas. The sprinkler, which sort of looks like a Vega-styled fountain, shoots water in every direction, there are enough sprinkler heads so multiple kids can be stepping on them, but there would still be water everywhere.
One of the climbing areas was pretty standard. Lots of ways up: ladders, stairs and climbing poles. And, of course, a bunch of slides. There was a lot of running room that was mostly in the shade while we were there.
The other one was more complicated. All climbing, no slides. Considering that the kids were still a little soggy, it was safer to spend very little time there.
Overall, the Poppenhausen Playground was quiet. All you heard was kids laughing, the water, birds chirping and the occasional ice cream truck. It wasn’t crowded, so that was a good thing.
A weird thing happened as we visited. The police were called about a woman who was getting too comfortable near children. She left after the police spoke with her, but it’s a reminder that we as parents always have to keep a vigilant eye on our kids.
Poppenhausen Playground features
Shade – Lots of trees around the edges.
Water feature – Yes
Bathrooms – Yes
Sand – No
Grass – Not really.
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