Address: Freedom Parkway and North Avenue
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The request%2C-8> Click here to get directions - approximate; see below for where to park
Parking: on street parking along Linwood (then you can walk along the paved trails to get to the playground)
Cost: free
Age Range: all ages
Ground Cover: packed rubber mulch
Features: Large area with two main play structures. The toddler play structure has stairs, double racing slide, climbing pole, crawling tunnel, imaginative area under the structure, and a telephone interactive wall. The larger structure has stairs, wobbly bridge, half rainbow climber, rock wall, larger slide, several interactive wall units, and an imaginative area under the structure. There is a large climbing structure that is this 3D circular climbing thing. There are two bouncers. A separate interactive wall with puzzle wall and number wall. 4 big kid swings and 2 baby swings.
Surrounding Park Area: Freedom Park has a trail that goes far. It’s well maintained. You can rollerblade, bike, run, scooter, or stroll. It’s lovely. There is also a community garden that you pass by if you park on Linwood.
Shade: no shade
Seating: benches and a wall to sit on
Stroller/Wheelchair Access: Yes, the paved trail leads all the way up to the playground.
Safety: No safety issues with the equipment although one of the baby swings was missing the piece that kept the handle cool. I didn’t really see much of an issue with this, since almost every other baby swing in the city has metal chain links.
Cons: So much sun! There really is no shade to this playground, which makes it a little uncomfortable at times. Also, the traffic noise is kind of high.
Overall Assessment: We really liked this jewel. There are a ton of things to do! My three year old also loved the circular climbing structure thingy. While we were there, my three year old said, “look mommy, there’s a pig!” I was like, “uh huh…yeah right, a pig.” But he was right! There is a person in the neighborhood who has a pet pig (like a PIG, not just a tiny piglet, but a big pig…on a leash). Did you know that you can have a pet pig within city limits? The caveat (according to the owner…) is that your pig has to be less than 200 lbs. Yes, 200 lbs. Please tell me…why do you want a 200 lb pig as a pet?
Ok, well, if you’re lucky, you can see the pig. Otherwise, enjoy the playground, marvel at the community garden, take a walk along Freedom Parkway Trail.
To read more about the efforts made to install this wonderful playground, please go to www.phnaplayground.org
Just writing to inform you that the sidewalks near Ponce Highlands playground are significantly overgrown by shrubs and trees. Especially the ones On the north side of North Avenue. Any wheelchair trying to go down the sidewalk would have some serious trouble.