Small local playground, a favorite for the 6 and under crowd.

Since Essex Park playground is smaller, it doesn’t get very crowded like some of the other local options which is a selling point for us. The playground has a main play structure best for kids 1.5-6 years old. It has 3 climbing walls, a small double slide, and a twisty slide.  A tall stand-alone triple slide offers a more thrill-seeking slide experience that siblings, friends, or parent/kid combos can use to race each other to the bottom. There are also 2 other climbing structures, one that's round and tall and the other is made with purple planks giving it the nickname "the purple park" among locals. No park is complete without swings, this one has 2 infant/toddler swings and 2 standard swings. Lastly, to round everything out is a single stand-alone slide.

The playground area is tree-covered giving ample shade most of the day. This makes the playground a great choice even on hot summer days. It always feels a few degrees cooler. The ground is dirt and wood chips so can get muddy depending on the weather. Next to the playground is an open grassy space with picnic tables. Make sure to bring your own water, snacks, and/or food since there’s nothing available in the immediate vicinity.

There are no bathrooms available, however, the playground is next to Clary Anderson Arena (ice-skating) and Essex Pool which may allow you to use their facilities if they are open. Across Chestnut Street is a small hill that’s popular for sledding in the winter.