A New Family Favorite - Kelly Park

Kelly Park is where I decided we would make this our “Summer of the Playground”.  The spring weather was starting to get nice and the boys and I had just dropped my husband off at work.  It was too nice of a day to go straight home, so I told the boys I had a surprise for them and this is where we ended up.  The boys had a blast and of course, didn’t want to leave.  That was when I promised them a summer full of playgrounds.  It was the first time I had taken the kids there, and now, it’s been the park we have frequented the most this summer.

Kelly Park is on Parker Ave. between Mitchell and Pechin Streets.  There is a path that runs through it with green space all around, a basketball court and two areas of play sets, each with its own set of swings and park benches. I love that there are many trees providing shade for the play sets.  It’s the perfect park for a hot afternoon.  The equipment isn’t especially colorful or unique or new or even large, but its quiet, entertaining for the kids and we’ve met some very nice kids to play with.

The two play sets feature the standard 2-5 year old equipment in one area and 5-12 year old equipment in the other.  The set for the younger kids features several ways to climb up, and two slides to go down.  It’s nice because once the kids climb up, I don’t have to worry about them falling off as the only gaps in the fencing is where the ladders and slides start.  Of course, my kids like the larger play set where I feel like I have to stay right underneath them because I’m afraid they (especially Thing Two who I swear is part monkey) won’t be paying attention and will fall off. It’s not that the equipment is particularly dangerous, but it’s higher and I’m deathly afraid of freak accidents.  Since the equipment is higher the slide is taller so that provides the boys with a great ride.  My two-year-old can’t quite climb up the ladder by himself, but the four-year-old has no problem.  There are also monkey bars and a great sliding pole that has a spiral around it.  My kids are two young for that, but we watched another young girl spin down and it looked really cool.  Both play sets sit on a cushioned surface.

Although it’s not the shiniest playground out there, I feel like neighbors and/or users take pride in it.  A few weeks ago we visited on a Friday night.  Due to the time we left, I’m guessing we were the last family there.  We returned on Saturday night and the tall slide and some of the adjoining playset were covered in graffiti (written in magic marker).  It broke my heart.  However, when we returned on Monday night, someone had removed all the writing on the slide.  I was amazed!  Of course I don’t know for sure, but I’m guessing whoever removed it is a regular park attendee.  I’m not sure who would just happen to bring cleaning supplies with them to the park.  I’m very thankful and appreciative that the cleaner is out there, though.

I feel this playground could get a weekly visit from my family.