By Emily Rast
Hometown Weekly Intern
Among the stellar schools, top-notch youth sports programs, and friendly neighbors that make Hometown Weekly’s communities ideal for raising children, there are, of course, some things that the children themselves would point to as the highlights of their towns.
Anyone who’s had the pleasure of passing one of the many area playgrounds with kids in the car, for example, has surely heard their share of “oohs” and “aahs” — if not also some desperate pleas to stop for a fifteen minute recess.
With school inching towards summer vacation and temperatures creeping back into the 80s again, Hometown Weekly decided to have a look at a few ideal spots for kids to play during the season.
Francis William Bird Park
Polley Lane, East Walpole
Visiting the playground at Francis William Bird Park in Walpole is a must on a nice day. The whole property is beautiful, with walking paths, bridges, and well-kept fields. Bird Park is dog-friendly too, so the whole family can join in the fun. As for the playground, just take a short walk into the park to find it. You won’t regret packing a picnic, whether you eat at the playground’s convenient tables or on the park’s abundant grass areas. There are two adjacent sections of this playground separated by age group, which gives caregivers an idea of what might be a good fit for their kids. An array of toddler cars and other toys that would be great for little ones sits next to the playground. Benches in this space are placed right on the perimeter, so it is easy to monitor from the shade. An ideal spot.
Hinkley Swim Pond
Green Street, Medfield
A lovely little playground in Medfield is the one at the Stephen Hinkley Memorial Park/Swim Pond. Of course, when the pond is open to visitors, it makes for an awesome way to cool off after a hot day on the playground. Even without it, though, the playground is a great place to spend an afternoon. Hinkley Playground is located right next to a local neighborhood, giving it a unique sense of community. One recent project was a StoryWalk, which saw pages of a picture book placed around the space. When asked his thoughts on this playground, local Medfield dad Brian said that his son Zack “loves it,” and that they “like to come whenever it’s nice out.” Whether or not you live within walking distance like Brian, check out this playground for a welcoming and lively space for kids of all ages. Believe it or not, this lovely Medfield spot is a work in progress; the Hinkley Helpers, an initiative of the Medfield Foundation Inc., are currently on a mission to fundraise, plan and rebuild a safe, fun and inclusive playground at Hinkley Park — so this gem has even shinier days ahead of it.
Sherborn Playground
Cemetery Lane, Sherborn
The Sherborn playground is popular, and definitely for good reason. With its exciting array of shiny new structures, these grounds have a lot to offer. The structures mimic a boat, a farm, and a piano — perfect for kids who like to bring imagination into their play. Not only is the interior of the playground nice, but it is in a quiet, secluded area, tucked away down Cemetery Lane. The colors of the Sherborn Playground’s structures are nature-inspired, so it makes sense that it would be surrounded by trees. The area also conveniently houses great amenities for sporty kids and older siblings, including a tennis court and small skatepark. The playground is a bit hidden, but don’t worry: there is still a decent sized parking lot accompanying it. Kids are guaranteed to have a good time at this spot, whether they are into playing pretend, climbing structures, or going down the slides.
DeFazio Tot Lot
Dedham Avenue, Needham
Don’t be deceived by the name — DeFazio Tot Lot is one of the most spacious playgrounds in the area. The children it caters to may be small, but they will all have a large amount of space, with grassy and uncongested surroundings. There is a large parking lot next to the playground, making it even better for those looking to bring friends along to play with. There are also some features at DeFazio that could entertain bigger kids, such as a swingset and a funnel ball game. Some other nice features of this tot lot include its water fountain and good amount of shade. Its spaciousness makes this a nice spot to bring little ones with lots of energy, but it is also good for those who can be overwhelmed easily by crowded environments.
School Street Playground
School Street, Westwood
With its location in the name, Westwood’s School Street Playground is a beloved staple of the area. This spot mixes tradition with creativity, combining old-school playground fundamentals with innovative newer structures, such as a climbing rock and giant see-saw. Kids and their caregivers will appreciate that the colorful structures are unique, but still easy to navigate. There are even signs in the playground designating the ages intended for different equipment, which is very helpful in keeping little ones safe. On a hot day, the shaded picnic tables and benches on the edge of the playground allow for everyone to take a break from the heat. Conveniently enough, a huge advantage of School Street is its immediate proximity to the restaurants of Islington center. The playground’s location is perfect for refueling after a day of fun.
