Fairland Sports and Aquatics Complex Boundless Playground
The Equipment
Built in 2004 and designed as a place where children of all abilities can play together, this “boundless” playground features four sections: a low-to-the-ground play structure, a large sand area, a giant climbing dome with ropes, and a swing set (with two hard-plastic board swings, two bucket swings, and one adaptive swing). The sprawling play structure has ramp, stairs, and ladder entry and is set over woodchips in some parts and a rubbery surface in others. There are slides, bridges, tunnels, and lots of things to stop and read or touch, including a Braille alphabet and steering wheels. My three-year-old son was glued to the sand area. There are three mini excavators to operate, a table with indented bowls (perfect for cooking up pretend food), two chutes to pour sand down, and plenty of space to just sit and dig with a left-behind bucket and shovel (or BYO). My son also braved the climbing ropes and had a blast as I tried to make sure he didn’t go too high and get out of reach.
The Scene
The complex is in an area without a lot around it (I didn’t pass any stores near the complex on the route I took). The playground is between the Gardens Ice House and the aquatics center, and there are ball fields and a tennis bubble near the playground. Only one tiny tree sits anywhere near the playground, but there is a canopy over the sand area. Picnics have to be on benches or in the grass as there aren’t any picnic tables next to the playground. The playground is far back from Old Gunpowder Road, but it is close to roads that wind through the large parking lot.
Age Recommendation
All (the play structure is marked for ages 2-5, the sand area for 2-12, and the climbing dome for 5-12).
Restrooms
The swim center and ice rink both have bathrooms.
Review and photos by Kathleen Seiler Neary.,
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All ages,
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