Adobe Park Play Structure: Fit for Kids of All Ages or Limited to Those Older Than 5

A local mom feels that a modern-looking play structure at the A.B. Morris (Adobe) Park isn't functional for families with children under the age of 5.

Anastasia Francis said that although she thinks the park is "nice", she does not think it appeals to all age groups.

She has two children that are 3 years apart and says their "playing" curve is completely different.

"One needs constant assistance and the other is independent," Francis told Castro Valley Patch.

Francis wrote to us recently saying:

Am I the only parent of toddlers miffed about the "modern" structure over by the Adobe center/skate park area? It is not functional for families with kids under 5. [There] are no infant toddler play structures or slides. Whoever conjured up the design there and by the library really put zero thought and consideration into families/caregivers of young children that don't drive."

Readers responded on Castro Valley Patch's Facebook page with the following comments:

• I think there are plenty of other parks in the area for kids - did this mom ever think that not everybody is with or about having kids???? How ridiculous and selfish.
• i dont have kids But think everyone is being a bit unreasonably defensive to whoever this mom was that was making what i see as a fair assessment. For one If someone doesn't have a way of easy transportation, depending where you live, the "Under 5" seeming parks might be really inaccessible and not fair. why not make a little of both things to play on at all parks??? why do kids have to "wait to get older" or have to travel extra far when if in the being whoever designed and or signed off on these parks would have though a little more. The point of parks are usually for ALL kids to enjoy from what understand...
• It doesn't look like a play structure at all. Add this to the list of epic fails in CV's history. The canoe sign, the phallic symbol cell tower and now the play structure that looks like a broken ark for any age group.
• I have 20 month old and a 3.5 year old. Both kids do fine at this park. I love the big green field where they can both run around when they get tired of the equipment. I just have to watch my toddler a bit more closely at this park.
• I see all age groups playing on it. But they do get bored with it quick. The only thing I have to say it is definitely NOT accessible to children with disabilities.
• I still remember seeing this park for the first time and being happy to see something out of the ordinary, and different from all the other play structures. It challenges our 5 year old to play in new ways. He loves it.

The park is located at 20395 San Miguel Ave. On the website www.great-kids-parks.com, the park is descibed to have "one of those cool, but not very practical play structures." The .