Nifty Neighborhood Park in Nearby Morristown

The playground located just past the Jacob Ford Village apartments in the historic Washington Headquarters area of Morristown was renovated just a few years ago.

To find it, put Philip Place and Valley View Drive into your GPS or click here for a google map.

Jacob Ford Park is protected by just the right amount of lovely shade and is completely fenced in, which is perfect because it’s adjacent to a fairly busy street.

There are a couple of picnic tables available if you want to pack a lunch or snack and there’s a water fountain. There is no bathroom, however, so plan ahead.

The brightly colored and new equipment will keep kids entertained. You'll find suspended steering wheel-shaped rings, ladders, stepping stools, a corkscrew pole, a fireman’s pole, a drawbridge and a right sized climbing wall.

The ever-challenging “log roll” is there, along with storefronts and benches, a monocular and musical center with chimes to engage creativity.

Fun slides and swings complete the playground.

You’ll also find a tennis court and a covered gazebo with a smooth cement floor perfect for test driving a remote control car. There’s also a huge hill that’s great for running the kids ragged or sledding in the winter.

If you want to make a day trip out of your playground visit, consider including a stop to see Washington’s Headquarters Museum.  The museum is open daily and there are regularly scheduled tours. 

You may also want to include a trip to the Morris Museum.  They have plenty of interactive exhibits for young children and a great new train room.

Both sites are just minutes away.  The Morris Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday and offers free admission on Thursdays from 5-8 p.m.  You can do lunch or dinner at Friendly’s of Convent Station.

Amy Lamperti is the publisher of The Playground Guide and co-owner of www.njplaygrounds.com. For more details on playgrounds all over New Jersey, visit the website or follow NJ Playgrounds on Facebook.