Although we're still experiencing some unpleasant temperatures (and the occasional nor'easter here and there), our calendars tell us that spring is officially one day away. What better way to welcome the occasion than with new park features? Though jackets are still a necessity, you and your kids are not going to want to miss out on the new amenities coming to each borough—and there are certainly plenty.
Grassmere Playgrounds is a new park in Queens that is set for unveiling on Mar 20, along with four other parks that are going to undergo a ribbon-cutting ceremony in honor of the spring season. It's truly going to be an outdoor oasis for children, and its two playgrounds will invite little ones of all ages to run wild. In fact, these playgrounds are broken up into age groups—2–5 and 5–12— to best accommodate all visitors, according to amNY. For those little explorers, an educational trail is ready for adventure while a soccer field and basketball court (among other features) are waiting for young athletes to start a game.
Photograph: Courtesy NYC Parks Department
Situated uptown? There's something for your kids, too. Lyons Sqaure in the Bronx is one of the NYC parks receiving an intense playground makeover, which is set to include ADA-accessible equipment, basketball courts and even pingpong tables, amNY reports. When the warm weather really strikes (which hopefully won't be too much longer) there will also be new spray showers for children. Ah, bathing suits: Remember those?
Photograph: Courtesy NYC Parks Department
Speaking of bathing suits, Central Park is about to update its water works features, too. Billy Johnson Playground will have new water jets by the summer, so any little one who is looking to cool off can enjoy a visit to one of NYC's most famous outdoor destinations. The gorgeous weather is so close we can almost taste it! It might feel like a tease now, but these updates are going to be fabulous once the sun shines and the temperature exceeds 40 degrees.
To up the ante, the Billy Johnson Playground will also be renovated to preserve its rustic charm and meet the needs for kiddos today. A new net-climbing experience is set to debut in the sand area, a second granite embankment slide is on the way and paths are being repaved, among many other updates. Overall, the space is looking to be as accessible as possible for anyone who is looking to pay a visit!
Photograph: Courtesy NYC Parks Department
Now that you're updating your schedule of things to do in spring, make sure to check out these new parks and features with the kiddos—the whole family will have a blast!
Looking for more NYC fun? Visit a few of these museums for kids, play a few outdoor games for kids or book one of these awesome family vacations.
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