The Mindowaskin Park Playground in Westfield New Jersey is truly special and has a design I have yet to see anywhere else. The playground buildings resemble an old-fashioned village. I immediately thought if Dicken’s Village had a playground this would be it. There are so many little details to love: the facade of the buildings, the pretend street lamps, and how the accessible details seem to be so naturally a part of the playground.
It’s a playground so easy to miss. It sits back from the road. In fact, during our visit, some roads were closed and we had to navigate through the park to find the playground. But you HAVE to visit this playground. It’s definitely on our list of New Jersey playgrounds worth the drive.
10 Things to Know About Mindowaskin Park Playground in Westfield
As part of our challenge to write about 100 New Jersey playgrounds in 100 days we bring you the details about Mindowaskin Park Playground, a playground in Westfield.
Where is Mindowaskin Park Playground located?
The address for this playground is 385 E Broad Street in Westfield, Union County. The park is part of the Westfield park system.
What kind of playground equipment does Mindowaskin Park have?
The playground has beautifully-designed downtown-style buildings that complement the main structure quite well. It’s as if you stepped into a colonial downtown, only this one is complete with slides, ladders, climbing features, sensory play areas, and more.
Are there swings?
There is one swing structure with 4 traditional swings, 2 baby, and 2 accessible swings. They are located under trees that usually provide them with some shade.
Are there slides?
The playground has a nice selection of slides that are spread out. There are some taller slightly curvy slides that start at the highest tower.
There are other slides that extend from the village buildings.
Then, there are a few more slides that are connected to the main playground structure.
What special features does the playground offer?
Do your kids love to climb? The Mindowaskin Park playground offers lots of ways to climb. There are climbing walls, ladders, a rope wall, and O-rings.
There is a spinning spider web.
There is a traditional metal bridge between the two village buildings. There are stepping pods and ropes with discs that can also serve as a bridge helping kids get from one area to another.
A high-back spinner, a single-person spinner, and sensory play areas finish off some of the special features of this playground.
Of course, you can’t forget that the ‘buildings’ themselves serve as a special feature giving kids lots of ways to have imaginative play.
What kind of ground cover does the playground have?
The ground surface has smooth rubber padding.
Is the playground at Mindowaskin Park accessible?
I can enthusiastically say this Westfield playground is accessible and the way the accessibility features flow so naturally into the playground design truly makes this a playground that is welcoming and inclusive.
There are two wide ramps onto the main playground structure. The ramps and pathways are some of the widest I’ve ever seen on any New Jersey playground. They lead throughout the structure with various sensory play areas along the way.
There is ground-level play that is accessible and there is a wheelchair-accessible cruiser.
There are two accessible swings on the swing structure.
Is there shade available at the Mindowaskin Park playground?
The ‘roof tops’ of the playground structures provide a nice amount of shade as kids play.
Considering the buildings are two levels, there is shade on the ground level provided by their roofs and walls.
There is also a gazebo in the park to provide shade and tables and benches under the trees in the shade.
Where is parking for Mindowaskin Park?
There is a small parking lot adjacent to the playground and limited street parking leading up to the playground and on the surrounding streets.
Are there restrooms at Mindowaskin Park?
There were no restrooms available.
What else is there to do at Mindowaskin Park?
In addition to the playground, there are additional amenities available for visitors.
Are there walking trails?
There is a walking path around the park that travels through the playground. The park is a popular spot for quiet walks.
Are there fields or courts for sports?
There are no courts at this park, but there are open grassy areas.
Bonus information we want you to know about Mindowaskin Park
Mindowaskin Park is part of a tranquil 12.6 acre park in Westfield. In addition to the unique and accessible playground there are memorial trees, gardens, and a large pond.
Who do I contact about having a birthday party or event at the Mindowaskin Park playground?
We provide these details about this playground in Westfield as a service to our readers and the park. However, Jersey Family Fun is not directly involved with this park. We do understand from the recreation department that the Town of Westfield does not allow birthday parties in Mindowaskin Park or at the playground.
Find more great playgrounds in New Jersey
Visit Union 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.
