Stop By If You’re Nearby: For older kids, this small playground packs in lots of climbing and jumping, and has one of the highest vertical nets we’ve seen in Lower Manhattan. It’s a neighborhood spot to be proud of, and a fun quick stop for families passing through the area.
Hugging a short block of Sixth Avenue, the bright blue and green playground pops up under the shade of grand mature trees, which may have been there since the playground first opened in 1935. Near the entrance is an organized tangle of vertical and twisted nets as well as different stepping pads, both stable and wobbly suspended, making for a great obstacle course. A couple of these climbers are a challenge – especially the arched net that reaches straight up about 8 feet high and the suspended tunnel that looks like detached caterpillar segments. There are two sets of monkey bars – one that curves high in an arch and a lower one that attaches to a bridge leading to a mid-sized slide and small climbing wall. All of this is aimed at an older crew (recommended ages 5 – 12).
For toddlers there is less to do—there are two baby swings, a couple of plastic manipulatives on a wall (finger tracing maze and spinning cylinders), and a small gazebo structure with a bench and window that we made into a lemonade stand. Toddlers could also jump on some of the stepping pads, climb over the bridge (while supervised) and go down the slide, but overall there is not much equipment for the youngest playground goers.
The north end of the playground is open space with a couple of artificial rocks, two water sprays and a blue spiral that creates a water stream. When the water is not on, there’s space to toss a football, as we’ve seen.
Visibility/Safety? The climbing structures are condensed into a fairly small area, so you cannot lose track of multiple kids. (Though my four-year old successfully hid behind an artificial rock by the water sprays in our game of hide-and-seek!). A tall, heavy gate leading directly out to busy Sixth Avenue remains closed and is the only exit to this playground. While kids can’t easily get out, we saw a few adults enter the playground who were not accompanied by kids, which can be disconcerting. The play structures are in great shape, but some of the rubber floor tiles are coming up significantly at the edges – trips and falls are likely.
Bathroom Emergency? There is no public bathroom here. The McDonalds around the corner has decent stalls but no changing table.
Snack Time/Coffee Break? Benches line the perimeter of the playground and there are three chess tables to set down a snack. A $2 sugar crepe for the kids and a coffee for you is the perfect snack to buy directly across the street at Jean Le Gourmand, a French import where the crepe-making machines are an attraction. Next door to that is Popbar for gourmet popsicles. And for a real treat, the classic slice joint, Joe’s Pizza, is a few doors down on Carmine St.
Features: Baby swings, slide, monkey bars, water sprays, special climbing structures, shade, benches, picnic tables, nearby coffee and snacks.
What’s More? The summertime water sprays create a blue spiral stream for kids to splash in. This feature is a nod to the ancient Minetta Brook, which still runs through the area (but is now underground). Across the street is Minetta Green, a small garden with a curved path and surprise etchings of trout fish, which once swam in the brook. Before the $1.5 million renovations in 2012, the playground had fallen into disrepair and was no longer used by the community.
Connect: More information about the history of Minetta Playground and its connection to Minetta Brook can be found at the NYCParks website.
Where Next? There are so many playgrounds to visit in Lower Manhattan – we’re off to the Financial District next!
Gianna Abruzzo is a Brooklyn-born adventurer with nearly ten years of experience exploring playgrounds – in Lower Manhattan, around NYC, and in eleven more countries – with her three daughters. Gianna seeks to share a sense of community and pride in the places we play. Follow her on Instagram
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