Forest Hills Park, Cleveland Heights, Ohio

These little steppy steps are excellent for motor planning.

A nice twist on the rock wall. Sensory + gross motor + bilateralism.

The slides at this park are superior to a lot of slides I've seen. Lots of twists and turns, climbing options to get there. The height factor on the big twisty slide is a little intimidating for toddlers tho.

Longview. Rock wall visible.

What and Where: Forest Hills Park playground, entrance off of Lee Road.

What's good: super climber--there is something for every child of every ability. Excellent slides. Good rock walls and climbing opportunities. Wood chips were fresh the day we were there. Nice trees. There is a pavilion for snacking and plenty of grass for running, kite flying, etc. Parking is ample and close by.

What's not good: I heard from a parent friend at Ellie's school that in the evenings adolescents come into the park, often from East Cleveland, to smoke, fool around, use bad language, etc. I can't confirm this but he doesn't take his little girl there after supper anymore. He did note that he has seen far more CHPD patrols in that neighborhood recently and that the fracas seems to have died down.

Grade: A- (in case there is truth to the riff raff)

Boulevard School, Cleveland Heights

This climber faces Lee Road. It's smaller, but still good for motor planning.

This climber has an excellent apparatus for "mountain climbing." I caution you that the two swings alongside are wobbly, and two are even missing.

Nice balancers here.

This climber is handicapped accessible--see the ramp Emma is on? It leads to a nice sensory play area. This climber is also appropriate for smaller children in that the proportions are accomodating.

WHAT: Boulevard Elementary School Playground, Lee Road, Cleveland Heights. This playground has been recently rehabbed by fundraising done by committed parents and community.

WHAT'S GOOD: There are a variety of large muscle and sensory areas on all the climbers. The handicapped accessible climber is not one I've seen at a lot of parks and it's a relief to know that many children of all abilities could take advantage of the fun this area has to offer. There is also a wonderful open space between the parking lot and the playground that could be used for impromptu soccer or just RUNNING, which as we all know kids love. The Boulevard community clearly thought about what would work for their neighborhood and took this job seriously.

WHAT'S BAD: Well, as one can expect in a public space, there is some graffiti on some of the climbers, and strangely enough, it all has to do with penises. There, I've said it.

GRADE: A- (I don't want to have to explain pictures of male genitalia to my children).