The park cleverly has two separate play areas, across a sidewalk from each other, with each visible from either one. (My photos are necessarily incomplete since I respect kids’ privacy.) This picture shows one end of the playground specifically for the newly walking and toddling children. The area also includes a play house and a large sand pit. The designers thoughtfully placed a picnic table under a sheltering roof so parents(and many grandparents) could rest and watch the kids at play.
This was the first time I had seen two separate play sections in a park, and I love watching how parents and kids maneuver the choice. The fencing has an automatically closing gate, too complicated for the very small, so they are content to play here. As they get a little older and bolder they begin to ask for the area in the next post. This means that the littlest kids are not constantly being knocked over by the bigger ones, nor are they hurried as they very very tentatively walk up the ramp to the little slide.
I love watching the interactions between these littlest children and their carers. Most actually pay attention instead of sticking to their phones. I hear encouragement and consolation as the children explore and fall. Unlike the paved surface of my childhood, the wood shavings here provide a gentle landing. A good time for one and all(including those walking by.)
Saved By Words 
sensitive to leave out the children
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When they refurbished our local playground on Beetley Meadows, they did something similar. However, the seating/picnic area is not shaded or protected from the elements at all. That seems to me to have been shortsighted, as the play area only gets used by families on ‘perfect’ days.
Best wishes, Pete.
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This park has a smattering of shady places, very important in rain or very hot days.
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Washington D.C. designers many years ago thoughtfully designed an indoor area where the childish could play while being watched in a separate section. It’s called the House of Representatives. 😀
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Perfect!
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Wonderful.
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I’ve noticed so many wonderful playgrounds for children now, both creative and safer. I understand there’s one in Renton for seniors but I have yet to visit!
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That would be fun.
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Sounds like a safe place fir the little ones
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Yes. It also has no hidden corners which makes it even safer.
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Vey good!
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Did you have a go on the slide?
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LOL. It is pint sized unlike me.
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They have this split of playground equipment in our local park. It isn’t fenced though so doesn’t work as well.
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I think the fence keeps the kids safe in a friendly way.
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Yes, it ensures the humans don’t upset the animals and get to close.
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Clever design!
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Playgrounds have evolved beautifully, maintaining fun and challenging structures yet softening the ground and keeping safety in a user-friendly way. We both remember jungle gyms mounted into asphalt. I love how the playground is divided into younger and older. Public and private swimming pool communities have been doing this for ages.
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I had forgotten about swimming areas leading the way. That way the little ones didn’t get “dunked.”
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Exactly!
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Yes, playgrounds have definitely become safer since we were little Elizabeth. Both there in the USA & here in Australia it seems.
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