Initially, we had a hard time finding the Grover Cleveland Park Playground in Caldwell. We drove down the street and kept passing this lush greenery. It looked like the park might be a beautiful park with trees and pathways. Then, at the moment we were ready to give up I spotted a glimpse of the playground.
We parked along the street and then followed one of the paved pathways. After a few moments we found it! Glover Cleveland Park is a magnificently landscaped oasis with an incredible set of playgrounds. This isn’t just a small playground tucked into the woods. This is a playground paradise amid a beautiful setting.
This picture below doesn’t do the park justice. I hope you’ll keep reading to see all this Caldwell playground has to offer.
10 Things to Know About Grover Cleveland Park Playground in Caldwell NJ
As part of our challenge to write about 100 New Jersey playgrounds in 100 days we bring you the details about Grover Cleveland Park Playground, a playground in Caldwell New Jersey. We initially wrote about this playground in 2014. The equipment appears to be very different as if the playground areas have undergone a massive renovation since then.
Where is Grover Cleveland Park Playground located?
These Essex County playgrounds are located at 10 Brookside Avenue in Caldwell, New Jersey. They are easy to miss. Have the kids look for them or the walking path out the window as you proceed slowly down the road. The park is part of the Essex County park system.
What kind of playground equipment does the Grover Cleveland Park Playground have?
This playground features 3 large playgrounds and several other play areas. Everywhere you turn there are more areas to play. Your children will not get bored here. The entire playground area is fenced in with only one gate to enter and exit.
Are there swings?
At this park there are 5 traditional swings, 2 baby swings, 2 companion swings, 1 molded bucket swing, and 1 flying saucer/disc swing.
Are there slides?
There are slides at each of the 3 main playground structures. At the smallest structure there is a side-by-side slide.
At the medium-sized playground there are three slides. They include a short straight slide, a long curvy slide, and a straight tunnel slide with holds in it.
At the largest playground there are 4 slides. Two of the slides are tunnel slides. One twists and the other is straight. The other 2 slides are open. Both are straight, but one is a side-by-side slide.
What special features does the playground offer?
Since there are so many individual playgrounds and special structures we’ll focus on each one individually.
Small Playground Structure
The smallest of the playground structures is at one end of the playground. Though we refer to it as the smallest it’s not small, it’s just the smallest compared to the other two main playgrounds. It has a side-by-side slide, climbing walls and ladders, a tunnel, and some playful features. It does not have a ramp.
Medium Playground Structure
The medium structure is located in the middle of the other two playgrounds but closer to the back near the stream. Again, there is a fence around the playground so wandering children will not make it to the stream. This playground features an adorable climbable frog, 3 slides, and some sensory play areas. It does not have a ramp.
Largest Playground Structure
You can’t miss this large accessible playground structure. It’s got more levels and features than any of the other playgrounds. It sits close to the swings, zip line, and climbing structure.
There’s so much to do at this structure. Climb a wall or ladder. Walk across a bridge, high or low. Swing on the monkey bars and rings. Or slide down a slide.
Climbing Structure
Towards the back is this climbing structure with ropes and platforms.
Zip Line Structure
The zip line at this Caldwell playground can accommodate one child at a time. Children sit on a disc as they zip down the line.
Other Special Features
Spread throughout the playground between the different structures are various other features like ride on toys, springy platforms, a mister, balance beam, and more.
What kind of ground cover does the playground have?
The ground cover in all sections is a spring rubber surface. It’s smooth enough for strollers and wheelchairs.
Is the playground at Grover Cleveland Park Playground accessible?
While there are no accessible swings, there is a bucket swing. But more importantly, there are areas at this Caldwell playground that are accessible.
For starters, the largest playground has a wheelchair-accessible ramp that leads to a wide platform with multiple sensory play areas.
There is an entire stand-alone structure that is accessible. It has a few different musical instruments and even a small canopy to provide some shade.
Lastly, the medium-size playground does have a ground-level sensory play toy.
Is there shade available at the Grover Cleveland Park Playground?
During our visit, I did not find many issues with the sun. The playgrounds sit among the trees. The space feels large enough to give kids space but at the same time there are enough trees to provide ample shade.
Where is parking for the Grover Cleveland Park Playground?
There is limited street parking available on the street that lines the park.
Are there restrooms at Grover Cleveland Park Playground?
There is a building with indoor restrooms across the gated playground.
What else is there to do at Grover Cleveland Park Playground?
In addition to the playground at Grover Cleveland Park Playground, there are additional amenities available for visitors.
Are there walking trails?
Describe in sentence form whether or not there are walking trails. Provide any descriptions you can.
Are there fields or courts for sports?
There are lighted tennis courts and a baseball field on the park property.
Bonus information we want you to know about Grover Cleveland Park Playground
This was the first county park in western Essex County. The park website says, “the site was originally selected for its natural beauty and its potential to provide a space for relaxation and recreation. It contains gentle rolling hills, broad meadows and other environmentally aesthetic features.”
The pond at the end of Pine Book Creek is small enough that you can walk around with small children but large enough for children to go fishing. It is a peaceful space that everyone enjoys.
Who do I contact about having a birthday party or event at Grover Cleveland Park Playground?
We provide these details about Grover Cleveland Park Playground as a service to our readers and the park. However, Jersey Family Fun is not directly involved with this park. To reserve Grover Cleveland Park Playground 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.