Butler Park

Just past Averill Park High School on Gettle Road, Averill Park, NY

Bathrooms?	Picnic Tables?	Baby Swings?	Snacks?	Fields?	Hiking Trails?	Paved Bike Paths?	Pond/Stream?	Pool/Sprayers?	Basketball?	Tennis?	Surface?
Just one/limited availability	Yes	Yes! Plentiful & Lovely	No	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	No	Wood Chips

Weather conditions at this playground are: A mix of sun and shade.

If you live nearby, the overall rating is: Awesome! GO NOW!!!.

If this playground’s a trip for you, the overall rating is: Really fun & worth a trip.

If your child is a “flight risk”, I'd be careful of the cars--it's sort of near the street/parking lot..

More information from your friendly reviewer: This is a brand new playground (opened last year) with a futuristic theme. I would say that quite a bit of the playground is for the younger crowd (infant - 5 year olds), but that there is one structure for older kids and that there are older kid swings as well. The older kid structure is different... a slide without sides, climbing ropes, some crazy hoops, etc.

There are plentiful infant swings, a firetruck twin slide and monkey bar set, a toddler slide and bridge structure, and these fairly neat (and dirty) digging gravel scoops. I love how it is new (not falling part, no splinters, etc.) and different than many other playgrounds out there. Its proximity to the high school could be considered a detractor at school dismissal time.

Signed:

Central Park

Fehr Road & Ashmore Avenue

Bathrooms?	Picnic Tables?	Baby Swings?	Snacks?	Fields?	Hiking Trails?	Paved Bike Paths?	Pond/Stream?	Pool/Sprayers?	Basketball?	Tennis?	Surface?
Yes	Just one/limited availability	Yes! Plentiful & Lovely	Yes	Yes	Heck, yeah!	Yes	Heck, yeah!	Heck, yeah!		Yes

Weather conditions at this playground are: A mix of sun and shade, Windy, Too cold on cold days, Cooler than other places on hot days.

If you live nearby, the overall rating is: Awesome! GO NOW!!!.

If this playground’s a trip for you, the overall rating is: Fun.

If your child is a “flight risk”, There's a fence that's usually closed., Yikes, I'd be careful of the cars--it's VERY CLOSE to the street/parking lot..

More information from your friendly reviewer: Picnic tables were available last year, but they weren't out yet for the season as of mid-March. Ice Cream is available when Mike's Casino is open. There's a baseball field and a stage that's a short distance away. On weekends you can rent paddle boats for the lake. A short walk away there's a rose garden that my kids love to walk through. There's a newer little kids' playground that's really nice. Across the parking lot is an "old school" big kids' playground with lots of metal. There are often concerts and events here, so if you're coming from far away, you might time it with something else going on to make it more worth the trip.

Signed: Katie

Clifton Commons

County Road 90 & Clifton Common Blvd., Clifton Park http://www.cliftonpark.org/townhall/parks-rec/

Bathrooms?	Picnic Tables?	Baby Swings?	Snacks?	Fields?	Hiking Trails?	Paved Bike Paths?	Pond/Stream?	Pool/Sprayers?	Basketball?	Tennis?	Surface?
Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	Wood Chips

Weather conditions at this playground are: A mix of sun and shade, Sheltered from the wind.

If you live nearby, the overall rating is: Awesome! GO NOW!!!.

If this playground’s a trip for you, the overall rating is: Really fun & worth a trip.

If your child is a “flight risk”, There's a fence that's usually closed., I'd be careful of the cars--it's sort of near the street/parking lot..

More information from your friendly reviewer: This is a wooden/tire playground. It's nicely enclosed, but it can be difficult to keep track of your kids--it's really made for kids to move around in instead of adults, and visibility can be poor. I'm remembering as best I can with these answers. The coolest bonus feature is that the playground is right next to the ice rink, so sometimes there's a big pile of icy snow in the parking lot in the middle of summer. The structures itself give it a different "feel" from your average playground, so it's a nice change of pace. In the summer there are often shows or concerts nearby, so it's a nice destination for a picnic night out.

Signed: Katie

Collins Park

Mohawk Avenue & Schonowee Avenue, Scotia http://www.townofglenville.org/Public_Documents/GlenvilleNY_WebDocs/geninfo

Bathrooms?	Picnic Tables?	Baby Swings?	Snacks?	Fields?	Hiking Trails?	Paved Bike Paths?	Pond/Stream?	Pool/Sprayers?	Basketball?	Tennis?	Surface?
Yes	Yes	Yes! Plentiful & Lovely	Yes	Heck, yeah!	No	No	Heck, yeah!	No	Heck, yeah!	No	Sand

Weather conditions at this playground are: Sunny all the time.

If you live nearby, the overall rating is: Awesome! GO NOW!!!.

If this playground’s a trip for you, the overall rating is: Really fun & worth a trip.

If your child is a “flight risk”, There's a fence that's usually closed..

More information from your friendly reviewer: Snacks aren't right there, but Jumpin' Jacks is right across the street--basic fried food and soft ice cream. There are swimming lessons in the morning and lifeguards in the afternoon at the lake beach. Much of the equipment is new, so it's a good playground on its own, but its proximity to the lake and Jumpin' Jacks make it a real destination. Bring sand toys.

Signed: Katie

Cook Park

Lincoln Avenue & Shambrook Parkway, Colonie http://www.colonievillage.org/youth/index.htm

Bathrooms?	Picnic Tables?	Baby Swings?	Snacks?	Fields?	Hiking Trails?	Paved Bike Paths?	Pond/Stream?	Pool/Sprayers?	Basketball?	Tennis?	Surface?
Yes	Yes	Just one/limited availability	No	Heck, yeah!	Heck, yeah!	No	No	Yes	No	No	Sand

Weather conditions at this playground are: A mix of sun and shade, Cooler than other places on hot days.

If you live nearby, the overall rating is: Really fun & worth a trip.

If this playground’s a trip for you, the overall rating is: Fun.

If your child is a “flight risk”, I'd be careful of the cars--it's sort of near the street/parking lot..

More information from your friendly reviewer: I can't remember about the baby swings. There's a fountain--not for wading in, alas. Also, baseball diamonds. This is a shady park, and it's fairly small. But it's a great place for a pit stop if you're in the middle of errands--there are picnic tables in the shade and a bathroom, and it's not far off Central Avenue. Better for younger kids.

Signed: Katie

FANS (Friends and Neighbors of Ballston Spa) Playground

39 Ralph Street

Ballston Spa, NY 12020 http://www.fansofballstonspa.org/

Bathrooms?	Picnic Tables?	Baby Swings?	Snacks?	Fields?	Hiking Trails?	Paved Bike Paths?	Pond/Stream?	Pool/Sprayers?	Basketball?	Tennis?	Surface?
Nope	Nope	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No	No	No	That new spongy playground surface stuff

Weather conditions at this playground are: Sunny all the time, Too hot on hot days, Nice and warm on cooler days.

If you live nearby, the overall rating is: .

If this playground’s a trip for you, the overall rating is: Really fun & worth a trip.

If your child is a “flight risk”, There's a fence that's usually closed..

More information from your friendly reviewer: The playground has some interesting fort structures, swings and whole separate enclosed area for toddlers. The creek runs right next to this playground with lots of places to explore. I hear folks swim in it in the summer! We liked it because it was new to us. The kids loved the different things available in the playground structure. My son loved the fields where he and dad played baseball while we all had a picnic. The creek was also a HUGE hit. That's too many bests, huh?

Signed: Cheri

Hillside Elementary Playground

1100 Cornelius Avenue, Niskayuna

Bathrooms?	Picnic Tables?	Baby Swings?	Snacks?	Fields?	Hiking Trails?	Paved Bike Paths?	Pond/Stream?	Pool/Sprayers?	Basketball?	Tennis?	Surface?
Just one/limited availability	Nope	Nope	No	Yes	No	No	No	No	Yes	No	Wood Chips

Weather conditions at this playground are: Sunny all the time, Windy, Too hot on hot days.

If you live nearby, the overall rating is: Really fun & worth a trip.

If this playground’s a trip for you, the overall rating is: Fun.

If your child is a “flight risk”, I'd be careful of the cars--it's sort of near the street/parking lot..

More information from your friendly reviewer: There's not even a bench, so bring picnic blankets or camp chairs. This is a school playground, so it's not available during school hours. Bathroom's at the school, so availability depends on if it's open. There's an uninhabited "bus loop" right next to the playground if you want to bring bikes. The equipment is new and includes a wavy "group see-saw" thing that I've never seen anywhere else. This neighborhood is walkable, which means there's usually at least a couple of people here (which is fun), sometimes unsupervised groups of big kids (less fun). This is not a very toddler-friendly park, but it's great for the elementary school set.

Signed: Katie

Indian Meadows

Glenville, on the way to the YMCA.

Bathrooms?	Picnic Tables?	Baby Swings?	Snacks?	Fields?	Hiking Trails?	Paved Bike Paths?	Pond/Stream?	Pool/Sprayers?	Basketball?	Tennis?	Surface?
Yes! Plentiful & Lovely	Yes! Plentiful & Lovely	Yes	No	Heck, yeah!	Heck, yeah!	No	No	no	Yes

Weather conditions at this playground are: A mix of sun and shade.

If you live nearby, the overall rating is: Awesome! GO NOW!!!.

If this playground’s a trip for you, the overall rating is: Really fun & worth a trip.

If your child is a “flight risk”, .

More information from your friendly reviewer: Tall, terrifying slide that some kid broke his leg on. If you walk through the hiking trails toward the Y, you'll find a stage and other stuff that they use for team building. The kids love to hike and then put on shows.

Signed:

Ridgefield Park

At the end of the 700/800 block of Park Ave (Albany). Ridgefield St, Myrtle St, and Partridge Streets border it.

Bathrooms?	Picnic Tables?	Baby Swings?	Snacks?	Fields?	Hiking Trails?	Paved Bike Paths?	Pond/Stream?	Pool/Sprayers?	Basketball?	Tennis?	Surface?
Just one/limited availability	Yes	Yes	No	Heck, yeah!	No	No	No	Yes	No	Yes	Grass/dirt

Weather conditions at this playground are: A mix of sun and shade.

If you live nearby, the overall rating is: Fun.

If this playground’s a trip for you, the overall rating is: Really not worth your time.

If your child is a “flight risk”, Yikes, I'd be careful of the cars--it's VERY CLOSE to the street/parking lot..

More information from your friendly reviewer: Smalll neighborhood park in the Pine Hills in Albany. Most people who use this park are within walking distance. It's a good park for the under 4 set. The jungle gym is small but manageable for a young toddler. In July and August there are sprinklers It's mainly a playground for those who can walk to it. The kids all tend to know each other since we all live in the neighborhood. We go all the time because it's a very short distance to our house.

Signed: Mandy

River Road Park

Niskayuna, River Road not sure

Bathrooms?	Picnic Tables?	Baby Swings?	Snacks?	Fields?	Hiking Trails?	Paved Bike Paths?	Pond/Stream?	Pool/Sprayers?	Basketball?	Tennis?	Surface?
Yes	Yes! Plentiful & Lovely	Just one/limited availability	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No	Wood Chips

Weather conditions at this playground are: A mix of sun and shade.

If you live nearby, the overall rating is: Really fun & worth a trip.

If this playground’s a trip for you, the overall rating is: Really fun & worth a trip.

If your child is a “flight risk”, It's so secluded that the kid can't get anywhere, anyway..

More information from your friendly reviewer: Great for ages 2-5

Signed:

Riverside Park (I've always called it Front Street Park)

Front Street & North Street, Schenectady

Bathrooms?	Picnic Tables?	Baby Swings?	Snacks?	Fields?	Hiking Trails?	Paved Bike Paths?	Pond/Stream?	Pool/Sprayers?	Basketball?	Tennis?	Surface?
Nope	Nope	Nope	No	No	No	Heck, yeah!	No	Heck, yeah!	No	Heck, yeah!	Grass/dirt

Weather conditions at this playground are: Shady all the time, Windy, Too cold on cold days, Cooler than other places on hot days.

If you live nearby, the overall rating is: Really fun & worth a trip.

If this playground’s a trip for you, the overall rating is: Mixed, but my kids like it.

If your child is a “flight risk”, It's pretty close to the water--does (s)he know how to swim?.

More information from your friendly reviewer: This is an old playground with a nice variety including some "old school" big kid climbers. This park is right along the river, so the best part about it is that it's great for transportation enthusiasts. On a good day you can see boats along the river, trains on the bridge, and airplanes about to land at Schenectady airport. The pool isn't right next to the playground, but it's a very short walk. It's a public pool run by the Y (assuming there's funding this year!) It's a great hot-day playground. If you like to play tennis, the court is right next to the playground. Sometimes kids will bike or scooter there, too.

Signed: Katie

Rosemont Park

Rosemont Avenue, Albany, NY Don't

Bathrooms?	Picnic Tables?	Baby Swings?	Snacks?	Fields?	Hiking Trails?	Paved Bike Paths?	Pond/Stream?	Pool/Sprayers?	Basketball?	Tennis?	Surface?
Just one/limited availability	Yes	Yes	No	Heck, yeah!	No	No	No	Heck, yeah!	Heck, yeah!	Heck, yeah!

Weather conditions at this playground are: A mix of sun and shade, Windy.

If you live nearby, the overall rating is: Really fun & worth a trip.

If this playground’s a trip for you, the overall rating is: Fun.

If your child is a “flight risk”, I'd be careful of the cars--it's sort of near the street/parking lot..

More information from your friendly reviewer: There is a merry go round, several slides, a splash pad in the summer, and several large play structures. For the older kids, there are basketball courts and tennis courts. Best thing--close by and large variety of equipment. Also, the splash pad is major fun. Worst is that it's a bit spread out. Play structures are far apart. Thought that can be good for lots of running around. Also, it's one of the few parks in the area I've seen that has a merry go round.

Signed: Jukeybee

Schodack Island State Park

1 Schodack Way

P.O. Box 7

Schodack Landing, NY 12156

Phone: (518) 732-0187 http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/146/details.aspx

Bathrooms?	Picnic Tables?	Baby Swings?	Snacks?	Fields?	Hiking Trails?	Paved Bike Paths?	Pond/Stream?	Pool/Sprayers?	Basketball?	Tennis?	Surface?
Yes! Plentiful & Lovely	Yes	Nope	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	Wood Chips

Weather conditions at this playground are: Sunny all the time.

If you live nearby, the overall rating is: Awesome! GO NOW!!!.

If this playground’s a trip for you, the overall rating is: Awesome! GO NOW!!!.

If your child is a “flight risk”, I'd be careful of the cars--it's sort of near the street/parking lot., close to parking lot, but it's usually not a busy one. There's time to rescue..

More information from your friendly reviewer: There's no swings, but honestly I like it that way. I want my kids to run around and get tired, not to be on a swing the whole time with me having to push them. ;-) There's no pond, but there is the Hudson River! The boat launch is right there and you can watch the boats sail the Hudson. It's a beautiful view. The Hudson River. It's so nice to be so close and see all the boats. If you're lucky and catch a boat docking the kids usually love it! The view really is just beautiful. But the playground is not right next to the river so you don't have to worry about kids running off and drowning. You have to cross the parking lot and walk to get to it.

Signed: Jedimama

Shenantaha Creek Park

Eastline Road in Malta http://www.malta-town.org/cit-e-access/webpage.cfm?TID=44&TPID=5150

Bathrooms?	Picnic Tables?	Baby Swings?	Snacks?	Fields?	Hiking Trails?	Paved Bike Paths?	Pond/Stream?	Pool/Sprayers?	Basketball?	Tennis?	Surface?
Yes	Yes! Plentiful & Lovely	Yes	No	Heck, yeah!	Heck, yeah!	Heck, yeah!	Yes	No	Heck, yeah!	Heck, yeah!	Wood Chips

Weather conditions at this playground are: A mix of sun and shade.

If you live nearby, the overall rating is: Really fun & worth a trip.

If this playground’s a trip for you, the overall rating is: Really fun & worth a trip.

If your child is a “flight risk”, It's pretty open so you will be able to see where your child went and it's set way back from any road..

More information from your friendly reviewer: Many, many picnic tables. Two large pavilions, barbeque grills, tennis and basketball courts, bike path. Lots of room to run around and trails to explore. We had our son's first birthday party here and it was a huge success. Equipment is in good shape and The wide open spaces for running around, mixed with lots of trees for shade, plus nature trails to explore AND a playground with available picnic tables and bathrooms make this one of our favorite places to go. Shenantaha Creek park can keep a toddler entertained for a good long time!

Signed: Rachael

The Crossings

Albany Shaker Road, Colonie

Bathrooms?	Picnic Tables?	Baby Swings?	Snacks?	Fields?	Hiking Trails?	Paved Bike Paths?	Pond/Stream?	Pool/Sprayers?	Basketball?	Tennis?	Surface?
Yes! Plentiful & Lovely	Yes! Plentiful & Lovely	Yes	Yes	Heck, yeah!	Heck, yeah!		Heck, yeah!	No	Heck, yeah!	No	I'm sorry, I can't remember (It's been a long winter!)

Weather conditions at this playground are: A mix of sun and shade.

If you live nearby, the overall rating is: Awesome! GO NOW!!!.

If this playground’s a trip for you, the overall rating is: Awesome! GO NOW!!!.

If your child is a “flight risk”, I'd be careful of the cars--it's sort of near the street/parking lot..

More information from your friendly reviewer: There is also a maze. It has something for everyone. The only thing I don't like is that the gate is open, and the playground part of the park is right next to the parking lot.

Signed:

Town of Bethlehem Elm Ave Park

Elm Ave, Delmar, ny 12054

Bathrooms?	Picnic Tables?	Baby Swings?	Snacks?	Fields?	Hiking Trails?	Paved Bike Paths?	Pond/Stream?	Pool/Sprayers?	Basketball?	Tennis?	Surface?
Just one/limited availability	Just one/limited availability	Yes	No	Heck, yeah!	Heck, yeah!	Heck, yeah!	No	Heck, yeah!	Heck, yeah!	Heck, yeah!	Wood Chips

Weather conditions at this playground are: A mix of sun and shade.

If you live nearby, the overall rating is: Really fun & worth a trip.

If this playground’s a trip for you, the overall rating is: Mixed, but my kids like it.

If your child is a “flight risk”, It's so secluded that the kid can't get anywhere, anyway..

More information from your friendly reviewer: THe Elm Ave playground is an older large, wooden structure. Lots of climbing opportunities! My son loves it, but I would love for the Town of Bethlehem to build a newer style playground. Of course, the pool area is the best thing in Delmar and it complete Overall, the Elm Ave park is awesome. The fields are plentiful and the hiking trail is perfect for preschoolers. We LOVE the pool and spend every warm day there in the summer. It truly is one of the best parts of living in Delmar.

Signed: K