Stop by if you’re nearby! This well-loved Lower Manhattan neighborhood playground is a fun stop, especially for little kids. It has all the typical features, plus eighteen lions, and a treasure trove of second-hand plastic toys and ride-ons to share.
There are two similar play structures that each have ladders, platforms, and straight and twirly slides. The smaller, lower structure includes a very low slide for the littlest climbers, as well as a small set of ringed monkey bars. Within a huge sandbox stands the larger play structure, with arched monkey bars and lots of room to play under and around it. At their highest points, both structures are still within a caregiver’s reach.
The swings are situated in a gated area between the two play structures and include two baby swings, two big-kid swings, and one universal swing. Four water spouts spray up from low concrete pillars surrounding a large depiction of a compass rose. There is plenty of concrete open space where little kids ride scooters and tricycles, push baby doll strollers, and share other random plastic activity centers and play structures that have become permanent additions to the playground.
Of note, the playground is handicap accessible with ramps connecting the upper and lower sections of the playground.
What’s More? Bleecker Playground opened in 1966 and was last renovated in 1997. At the turn of the 19th century it was the site of the Bleecker family farm, thus the origin of the street and playground’s name. We spotted eighteen lions in the playground, which were installed during the last renovation with a nod to the architecture of the neighborhood. More information about the history of the playground can be found here. The Friends of Bleecker Playground, a group of neighborhood families, raises funds and supports the upkeep, enhancements, and special activities at the playground.
Reading this around Halloween? Join the children’s Halloween parade and celebration on Sunday, October 27, a free (and fundraising) event by the Friends of Bleecker Playground. Across the street, at Abingdon Square, there will be glowing jack-o-lanterns and treats on Halloween night, and from there check out Grove Drugs’ creepy Halloween window display.
Snack Time/Coffee Break? You may be in the neighborhood just for the cupcakes (and banana pudding!) at famed Magnolia Bakery (located across the street from the playground). You can also get a cup of coffee or hot chocolate there. For a quick snack, there is a deli (Abingdon Market) at the north end of the playground. Within the playground there are two picnic tables and many benches. Beyond the fence on the south end is the shaded Bleecker Sitting Area with small café tables and benches.
Visibility/Safety: There are two separate exits to the playground, but on our visit only one was accessible and kept closed. The play structures are far from each other and on different levels, so it is difficult to keep track of kids in different areas. The rubber tiles under the swings and smaller play structure have some gaps, and also get slippery from the nearby sand.
Bathroom Emergency: There is a centrally located comfort station within the playground with men’s and women’s bathrooms and a diaper changing station.
Features: Slides, baby swings, big-kid swings, universal swing, sandbox, monkey bars, water sprays, picnic tables, nearby snacks.
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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