This playground! Watsessing Park Playground in Bloomfield NJ is one of the most inclusive and accessible playgrounds we have ever visited. We first saw this playground being built in 2019, while on a day trip to North Jersey. We knew then it would be phenomenal and I have been wanting to get back ever since. We did just that this past Friday.
This is one of those playgrounds worth driving across New Jersey to get to!
10 Things to Know About Watsessing Park Playground in Bloomfield NJ
As part of our challenge to write about 100 New Jersey playgrounds in 100 days we bring you the details about Watsessing Park Playground, a playground in Bloomfield NJ.
Where is Watsessing Park Playground located?
The Watsessing Park Playground is located at 10 Conger Street, near Bloomfield Avenue and Conger Street. The park is part of the Essex County park system.
What kind of playground equipment does the Watsessing Park Playground have?
It may seem like a small space when you pull up to the playground, but when you step inside the gate, prepare to be excited for all there is for ALL kids to do. This playground goes beyond your typical playground of slides, swings, monkey bars, and climbing walls.
Are there swings?
There are plenty of swings at the Watsessing Park Playground. There are 2 traditional swings, 2 baby swings, 3 accessible swings, 1 two-person swing, 1 disc-like swing, and a wheelchair swing.
Are there slides?
There are several different types of slides. There is 1 side-by-side slide, 2 curvy slides, 1 straight slide, 2 twisting slides, and 1 slide with rollers.
What special features does the playground offer?
Climb to your heart’s content at the Watsessing Park playground. It has climbing walls, climbing ladders, climbing O-rings, climbing platforms, rope ladders, rope bridges, and tunnels.
There is a small playhouse area for toddlers. It’s complete with tunnels, a slide, and sensory play areas.
As if that wasn’t enough there was a highback spinner, 4 person see-saw (we-saw), stepping pods/stools, sensory play, monkey bars, and viewfinders.
Making this incredible playground even more phenomenal was the tall climbing tower, the spinning 2-level globe (Global Motion), and the wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round (We-go-round).
What kind of ground cover does the playground have?
The Watsessing Park Playground has rubber padding for ground cover.
Is the playground at Watsessing Park Playground accessible?
The Watsessing Park Playground has to be the most accessible playground I have found in New Jersey to date. The ramp on the large playground structure can take a child/adult in a wheelchair ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP. I have never seen that before.
Along the ramp to the top and throughout the playground there are plenty of sensory play areas.
While there are some ‘drop off’ climb down points I noticed that the openings are narrow. In other words, a child could get through to climb down, but a wheelchair is not getting through.
There is a sway-fun glider that is wheelchair accessible through a wide platform.
The accessible swings include bucket swings and a wheelchair swing. We saw the space for the wheelchair swing but it appears some of the equipment needed to use it is missing. I’d suggest contacting the park at (973) 268-3500 to find out its status.
There is a musical play area under an awning.
Last but not least was this We-Go-Round. This is the first time we’ve come across this unique accessible merry-go-round from Landscape Structures. It can be turned from the inside or outside, allowing everyone to participate in the fun. Its base is flush with the ground and there’s a space designated for a wheelchair, making it easy for anyone to walk or stroll in and spin.
Is there shade available at the Watsessing Park Playground?
There is shade under canopies, in tunnels, and in the We-Go-Round. There are shady play areas on the equipment. Nearby the playground is also a gazebo and a pavilion with picnic tables and benches.
Where is parking for the Watsessing Park Playground?
There is a small parking lot and free street parking.
Are there restrooms at Watsessing Park Playground?
There is a small community center building near the playground but it was not clear if there were public restrooms available inside. We did find a port-a-potty outside the playground.
What else is there to do at Watsessing Park Playground?
In addition to the playground at Watsessing Park Playground, there are walking paths, a soccer field, a splash pad, dog park, and a basketball court.
Are there walking trails?
There are walking trails at Watsessing Park.
Are there fields or courts for sports?
There is a soccer field and a basketball court at the Watsessing Park Playground.
Bonus information we want you to know about Watsessing Park Playground
Watsessing Park is located on 69.67 acres in the Townships of Bloomfield and East Orange, in the eastern section of Essex County.
Who do I contact about having a birthday party or event at Watsessing Park?
We provide these details about Watsessing Park as a service to our readers and the park. However, Jersey Family Fun is not directly involved with this park. To reserve Watsessing Park for a birthday party or private event, please contact them directly by calling (973) 268-3500, emailing [email protected], or visiting their website.
Find more great playgrounds in New Jersey
Visit Essex County parks and playgrounds to learn more about playgrounds near this one. Visit our series on New Jersey Playgrounds and Parks to learn more about the great playgrounds across our state.