Ben Brenman Park
The Equipment
The enclosed playground has a soft, rubber surface and is designed for ages 2 to 5. Along with the traditional slides, two swings (one for babies) and a chain cargo net, there are rubber stepping stones and a mini rock climbing wall. Children will enjoy making music with the wind chimes. Next to the post office and general store cutouts are bilingual signs teaching kids English and Spanish phrases like hello=hola, thank you=gracias and goodbye=adios.
While this is the only playground in Ben Brenman Park, walk across the adjacent parking lot to the footbridge. Be on the lookout as you cross where turtles, frogs and catfish can be spotted in Holmes Run River. Take the bridge known as the Holmes Run Scenic Easement and turn left where you will find a bright blue play space. The fenced in playground has a mulch surface that is age appropriate for 5 to 12 year olds.
The Scene
Did you know that this park is on the east end of the former U.S. Army base at Cameron Station and was named to honor the late Colonel Ben Brenman?
With so much to offer, Ben Brenman Park is like winning the recreational jackpot. The park is a whopping 60 acres of pure joy where children play ball, strollers and joggers pass through and people are practicing Tai Chi. There are picnic benches scattered throughout the park along with many walking and bicycle trails. There are at least three athletic fields for softball, baseball and soccer, which are also lighted in the evening. It is a little difficult to find specific parts of the park because there are no signs directing visitors to go.
Ben Brenman Park is a place to commune with nature. The large pond has an ornamental gazebo surrounded by three fountains. The serenity is breathtaking. On our visit, my family saw koi, butterflies, dragonflies, and a pair of cardinals in flight. Of the several pedestrian bridges that are connected by Holmes Run and Deer Run, pet lovers, sports enthusiasts and groups will want to access the bridge directly opposite the playground. There is a fenced dog park, three volleyball nets and a picnic shelter. The covered pavilion is pretty run down with some pieces of wood missing, but otherwise, a decent place to have a celebration. There are picnic tables both inside and outside the pavilion along with a grill. It would be nice if they had more picnic tables throughout the park, separate from the pavilion, given the open space and opportunities to enjoy the fountains.
Special events abound in the small amphitheater or in one of the parking lots at Ben Brenman. On Sundays from May to November, the south end of the park transforms into the delightful West End Farmers Market. Throughout the year, the park host annual community events such as the Earth Day celebration, Cambodian Festival and Art and Wine Festival.
Age Recommendation
All ages
Restrooms
The police station has a satellite office in the center of the park where there are also restrooms. Surprisingly there are no changing tables and no water fountains available. The restrooms are a very short walk to the playground.
Review and photos by Kathleen Molloy.,
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All ages,
(1 vote),
