Playgrounds in Pictures: Watertown’s Pat and Gabriel Farren Playground

Public Playgrounds are an integral part of the early childhood education and care ecosystem. This is part of a photo and review series that will look at playgrounds in the Boston metro area. This post is dedicated to Watertown’s Pat and Gabriel Farren Playground located on 147 Charles River Road. After the pictures, I’ll give a brief review of the Playground after the pictures. 

Overall, I’d give this Playground a “B” grade. The Playground is enclosed by a fence with bushes, trees, and vines growing around to which gives it a sense of safety but also makes it seem a little less inviting. There is a variety of equipment included swings for babies, toddlers, and older children along with a structure with multiple slides. Most of the equipment is in good shape but there are a few things in disrepair including a broken rocking horse. There is a natural soft mulch and dirt ground and I like that there is a lot of open space to run around. The Playground  could include more inclusive universally designed elements and one of those spiderweb style climbing structures that have become popular recently to improve things. On another positive, the Playground is located near a nice walking path that  includes The Braille Trail which Perkins School for The Blind helped create which many universally designed elements.