If you're a pint-size New Yorker, there's one spot in Central Park that surpasses the rest: Billy Johnson Playground.
The go-to green space is beloved by youngsters city-wide—largely thanks to its epic 45-foot slide—and it just received a little TLC from the Central Park Conservancy, architect M. Paul Friedberg and families who frequent the attraction on a regular basis. Thanks to their collaboration, the park reopened on Nov 10 with exciting new and revamped features.
Photograph: Courtesy Central Park Conservancy
First things first, the bucket swings are being replaced for safety reasons, and now a cool tire swing will join the ranks of the playground's offerings. What kiddo doesn't love spinning in a tire swing? It's one of the go-to perks of recess.
For those who are feeling adventurous, there is a new net-climbing experience (which will be completed in 2019) that'll keep children moving and grooving. We're always excited about a new challenge. Also, when the warm weather hits, families are going to want to visit the new water feature located at the amphitheater, which will take the place of the spray bollard and conserve water.
Photograph: Courtesy Central Park Conservancy
And—drumroll please—a *second* granite embarkment slide, accessible to little visitors, officially made its grand debut. Ready your cardboard!
“The Conservancy works tirelessly to maintain and enhance Central Park’s 21 playgrounds, and integrate each one into the landscape of the Park,” Lane Addonizio, the Conservancy’s vice president for planning said in a statement. “It is an honor to build upon M. Paul Friedberg’s original design for Billy Johnson Playground—more than 30 years after the Conservancy first brought it to life.”
Photograph: Courtesy Central Park Conservancy
We can't wait to spend an afternoon at one of our most frequented playgrounds. Learn more about the project here.
Enter Billy Johnson Playground at E 67th St.
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Make the rounds at our favorite kids' playgrounds in NYC, stop by fun indoor playgrounds for kids when the weather gets cold and bring the whole crew to these epic family attractions (book tickets here).