At about this time last year, I launched my Web site, NJ Playgrounds, which hosts pictures and descriptions of free outdoor places and some indoor playgrounds in NJ. Since then, I've put up over 150 posts about playgrounds and other kid stuff, mainly in Somerset, Union, Essex, Morris and Bergen Counties. I've gotten some great feedback from fellow playground enthusiasts and casual visitors.
Now, it's my opportunity to write about Springfield, the town I've called home for about 10 years. Today, I'm beginning with the School System's Parks, which are accessible to residents only after school is let out.
Find out what's happening in Springfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Our journey begins in Walton, 601 Mountain Avenue. our oldest just started pre-K in September. We adore Walton’s playgrounds, especially the new addition that is in the back area that was only possible by the blood sweat and tears from Jodi Silverstein and the other hard-working fund-raising PTA members. The Pre-K playground has a great spongy floor, a periscope, slides and age-appropriate equipment fenced in, this playground is great for young ones.
On the other side of the school is the main playground (visible from Mountain Avenue) fairly new, no spongy floor, with woodchips but with some really great spinners that my boys enjoy. Sometimes it is a challenge to get some shade in the summer months especially depending on the hour. It was here where I met my first Springfield mom friend, Thu who introduced me to the Springfield MOMS Club of NJ.
Find out what's happening in Springfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
James Caldwell Elementary School
We recently attended a fundraiser at Caldwell, located at 36 Caldwell Pl, those flyers in the backpack really help spread the word. As a newbie to the school system, I’m starting to get a glimpse of what’s to come and you can see the community come together for these events, I’m glad to be part of it. The elementary school has a playground which needs some repair as you can see by the picture. It is modest equipment with a rope bridge and some other equipment that is for 5-12yrs age. Fenced in, I suspect it is much older equipment than Walton’s.
Thelma L. Sandmeier Elementary School
Whenever my 3 year-old gets bored watching his brother play soccer, we’ll visit this playground that’s close to the field. Not great for his age, except for the slide and it could use some updating in my humble opinion. But there are some climbing structures, so your older kids will get an upper body workout.
