There’s such nostalgia in a wooden playground: a throwback to simpler and more naturally inspired play equipment. The wooden playground provides the backdrop for imaginative play featuring climbing structures, slides, swings, and bridges. Slowly, wooden playgrounds have been replaced by updated equipment that meets different safety standards and requires less maintenance but if you know where to look, there still are wooden playgrounds ready for your child to explore an eco-friendly alternative to more modern playground designs. Don’t forget long pants and close-toed shoes when exploring these structures made with trees, boulders, and rope.
Abraham Lincoln Park | Webster
There are two playgrounds at this park, one a multi-age traditional set and the other built into the natural surroundings with well-placed tree trunks and stumps. In addition to its beautiful location on the east shore of Irondequoit Bay, the added bonus to visiting this park is its hiking trails. It is an all around great place to burn some energy!
Alpine Adventure Zone Natural Playground | Spencerport
Fun fact: Some of this playground actually came from the now-dismantled natural playground at Seneca Park Zoo! There is something very appealing about a swinging bridge for adventures, and this one will not disappoint young explorers. When I visited, a group of young “pirates” chased one another, criss-crossing the platforms and running across the bridges, until theylocated the treasure they sought in the center of the structure.
Goodwin Park | Greece
Goodwin Park is the perfect place to explore on a day when you want that breeze off the lake. This looks like a classic wooden playground but is made with synthetic wood which eliminates the concern about splinters or older boards. This location includes picnic amenities and a wonderful view on Lake Ontario! Because of its proximity to the lake and more challenging climbing options, Goodwin Park might be a better option for older children.
Hamlin Recreation Area | Hamlin
This is a castle-shaped wooden playground NEXT TO A LIBRARY. Does it get any better? Imagine checking out a book with a story including all the fairy tale tropes and then encouraging your kids to act it out on this beautiful “theater set”. Or consider the epic game of hide & seek that might happen here with its nooks and crannies as the perfect hiding spot. Surrounded by lots of green space including sports fields, this recreation park has something for everyone.
Lilac Adventure Zone | Rochester
Located in Highland Park, this playground features wooden structures that blend with the surrounding natural environment. Using repurposed tree trunks and limbs, the playground is reminiscent of fairy tales or a village made of Lincoln Logs. This playground is likely for older children considering the lack of balance support while climbing on the actual trees but several of the upright structures do have somewhere for littler climbers to place their hands.
Jack’s Place | Webster
Did you know there are two playgrounds in our area called Jack’s Place? These beautiful structures not only provide fun for a variety of ages but also hold a special place in our community as they were designed to honor the memory of a local 3-year-old named Jack. The one in Webster is near the Webster Pier, and the first playground to be built as a way for Jack’s family to celebrate his life. The parks department take great care with playground spaces in Webster, and this one is no exception. It’s well-maintained and a lovely space for families to enjoy.
Jack’s Place at Rothfuss Park | Penfield
This is the second playground built by Jack Foundation. A terrific blend of wooden and modern with plastic slides of varying heights, a dinosaur theme complete with a sandbox to “excavate” Dino bones (and plenty of toy trucks and tools to help), and a wide range of climbing challenges makes this a playground for ALL ages. We visited on a day with lots of families but it did not feel crowded at all, thanks to plenty of space. There’s also a Free Little Library so if you visit Jack’s Place grab a book or two to donate and share the gift of reading.
Mendon Ponds Community Park | Mendon
The prominent tires for climbing took me right back to my own favorite playground as a child. This one struck me as a real “throwback” structure modeled after a castle, complete with turrets and a tire “drawbridge”. Kids can lean right into imaginative play of knights slaying dragons, princesses saving themselves, and setting up house in one of the secondary structures once they’ve escaped the evil queen.
Without the bright colors and shiny metal as distraction, the imagination can really shine. And in the case of these playgrounds, designed to have a rustic and natural look that blends well with outdoor environments, it’s clear that nature really is the best playground.
“Restore balance. Most kids have technology, school and extracurricular activities covered. It’s time to add a pinch of adventure, a sprinkle of sunshine and a big handful of outdoor play.”
-Penny Whitehouse, mothernatured.com
