Morningside Playground #2 (Morningside Park)

116th and Morningside Ave

That's my dad!

Although the girls and I have been to this particular playground several times, this "review" visit was special because my mom, dad, sister, niece, and nephew came along for the ride.  Morningside Park is nestled between Harlem and the ridged hillside of Columbia.  This particular playground in smack-dab in the middle of the park and, in my opinion, the best of the three.  With two levels to separate the big kids from the little, a massive jungle gym, and an overall pleasant color scheme.  A few things to note about the park, the hard-rubber tiles are aging poorly;  they curl at the edges making them a tripping hazard as well as a haven for litter.  Also, where the steps meet the wall (next to the water section), children love to scale the edge.  Once they scoot away from the steps, there is a good 3-4 feet between the child and the ground.  I recommend either making this off limits or sticking right next to the climber, especially since the sprinklers can make the edge slippery.  Since the park is big, there are plenty of blindspots .  Also, bring a hat because there is no shade.  However, there tends to be an icee guy close by for a cold treat.  The kids love it the playground and I love the beautiful precipice that holds Columbia.  Good scenery is always a plus.

Highlights

• Awesome Jungle Gym • Great Sprinkler Section

Lowlights

• Lots of Blindspots • Almost No Shade

What It's Got

• Sprinkler Section • Curvy Monkey Bars • Parascope • Spider Web (Ropes) • Baby Swings • Twirling Seat • 3 Slides • Working Water Fountain • Chess Tables • Handicap Ramp • 1 Giant Jungle Gym • Trashcans • 2 Levels (Connected by steps, ramp, and jungle gym)

What Parents/Nannies Should Know

• 2 Entrances On Opposite Sides • Almost No Shade (Unless you hang out underneath the jungle gym) • Kids love to climb from the steps to the rocks and then to the ledge • The tiles are peeling (easier to trip/hold trash)

Nearby

• Bathrooms right outside the gates • Icee guy normally comes in the playground

Ratings: (Out of 5)

Sarah: 

Lexi: 

Annie:  X 28

Notice the boy on the ledge, this is common for most park explorers, but still really scary.