«Playground»

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!	Yes	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

Imagination Station at Shaker Road Elementary

512 Albany Shaker Road, Albany, http://www.southcolonieschools.org/ShakerRoad/index.cfm

Bathrooms?	Picnic Tables?	Baby Swings?	Snacks?	Fields?	Hiking Trails?	Paved Bike Paths?	Pond/Stream?	Pool/Sprayers?	Basketball?	Tennis?	Surface?
Just one/limited availability	Yes	Nope	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	I don't remember--maybe 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., It's so secluded that the kid can't get anywhere, anyway..

More information from your friendly reviewer: This is one of those all-wood playgrounds. It's at an elementary school, so you can't go while school's in session & bathrooms aren't available unless the school happens to be open. Wood playgrounds are a change of pace, and also, it's a fun playground pretty close to the Crossings. So if you schlep all the way to the Crossings and it just looks completely overrun with children, keep on drivin' over to this one!

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:

North Bethlehem Park

Russell Rd

Albany, NY 12203

Near the North Bethlehem Fire House on Russell Rd, http://www.townofbethlehem.org/pages/parks/parkNorthBethlehem.asp

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	Yes		Yes	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: 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”, It's so secluded that the kid can't get anywhere, anyway..

More information from your friendly reviewer:

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; has a special needs swing

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	That new spongy playground surface stuff

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

Vale Park

Franklin Street & Nott Terrace, Schenectady, http://www.valepark.org/

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

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”, It's so secluded that the kid can't get anywhere, anyway..

More information from your friendly reviewer: The equipment is pretty new. There are one or two places where a toddler could fall far, so if you have someone whose mobile & unsteady, check it out first. There's a large pavilion with picnic tables. This is a huge, woodsy park in the heart of Schenectady, and it's also connected to a cemetery, so it's really interesting for a walk. People fish in the stream, although if you want to avoid the water, it won't be obvious unless you leave the playground area to take a hike. This playground is not well-known, and it's fun and in a BEAUTIFUL setting. The one drawback (besides the lack of bathrooms) is that it's both remote-ish and in the middle of the city, so it can feel unsafe if you're on your own. This is one I go to when a couple of moms are meeting up together.

Signed: Katie

Voorheesville Elementary School

Across from Smitty's Tavern on Maple Avenue in Voorheesville, right on your way to Indian Ladder farms. When you make the right hand turn towards the apple orchards the school is directly on your left. Park in the visitor's lot, cross the covered bridge o, no

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

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”, It's so secluded that the kid can't get anywhere, anyway..

More information from your friendly reviewer: This playground offers something for every age. It is wheelchair accessible. There a swings for infants, special needs children and typical children. There are at least 3 slides, 2 twisty (one is covered), and two straight slides. There are tire ladders a I love that it is so large and there are things for all ages and abilities. My daughter always finds other children to play with there. It is great that someone who may be of a higher skill level than my daughter, she is 3, can do there own "high level" task while still playing with my daughter. Every thing is connected so the children can play the who can go the furthest without touching the gravel game!!!

Signed: Irishmom to APP

Washington Park

Washington Park, Albany, NY, http://www.albany.com/HotSpot_Washington-Park.cfm

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

Weather conditions at this playground are: Sunny all the time, 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: Really fun & worth a trip.

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: There's a new section as well as more "old school" metal equipment over grass. Pretty statues and big amphitheatre. Tennis courts aren't close to the playground at all. People in the 'burbs shy away from this playground, but it's frequently easy to park, and it's a worthwhile stop if you're nearby, and it's definitely worth a trip if something special is going on, like when the tulips are out or when there's a show at the Park Playhouse.

Signed: Katie

Zoller Elementary School

1880 Lancaster Street, Schenectady, http://www.schenectady.k12.ny.us/zoller_elementary_school/index.htm

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

Weather conditions at this playground are: Sunny all the time, Picnic tables are in shade..

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”, It's surrounded by fields and the streets are quiet, anyway..

More information from your friendly reviewer: There are a couple of unusual hand-pump style swings. Lots of ramps/bridges/slides. It's an elementary school, so you have to go when school's not in session, and there's only a bathroom available if the school happens to be open. This is in a nice, quiet neighborhood, so it could piggyback onto a little bike ride. This is a nice playground that's usually pretty quiet.

Signed: Katie