Recently we have done a series examining playgrounds and parks in New England since they are an important part of the infrastructure that promotes healthy early childhood development. So far we have looked at:

Today, we will look at the playground at 552 Main st. Watertown. For most of last century this area was part of the old Watertown Public Elementary Browne School. Then, the private Atrium School took over the area for a couple decades and eventually the town of Watertown decided they wanted to build a new police station at the site of the old Browne School. With the creation of the new police station, the park behind the station was renovated. “This park has been renovated to include a gazebo, swings, a play structure for children ages 5-12, a hard playing court for basketball and other games, hop scotch, picnic tables and a little league field, bike racks, and more. In addition, the area is used for community events like outdoor family movie nights. The playground is well maintained. There is a wall behind the play ground area that almost seems designed for children to try to climb up and walk along. However, this is not super safe so there is a sign that tells children to not walk along the wall (note, the sign was knocked to the ground when the picture was taken). It is interesting to note that since the police station is so close to the playground it might either make parents feel more safe or possible less safe to leave their children there unintended depending on the parents perspective. ( a sign strongly recommends children are supervised) In addition, the police station provides public rest rooms. Below are pictures from this neighborhood playground. Overall, this is a quality fun play space. There is space to possibly add more features and recently there was talk that there needed to be more variety in Watertown’s playgrounds. so that might be in the future. You can check out pictures of the playground below.