Benjamin Banneker Park (22205)

The playground at Benjamin Banneker Park is a nice little neighborhood tot lot.   We stopped by one sunny spring day to check it out.  Note, while the official park address is on Van Buren Street, the playground is off of 18th St. and has 2 hour street parking adjcacent to the playground.

The playground sits in full sun, so it would get hot in warm weather, but it was a nice destination on a mild day.

It features one play structure, suited for kids aged 2-5 years old.

My four year old enjoyed the monkey bars, which are set relatively low to the ground, the bouncy bridge and fireman’s pole.

There is also a nice little sandlot with a few sand toys and diggers left out.

There is a set of swings — two regular swings and two baby/bucket swings.

The playground is not fenced — there is a split rail fence along the road, but nothing to keep it enclosed.  There is a creek just beyond the swings, but vegetation prevents easy access.

There is also a paved path that leads through the playground and on throughout the larger park.   The path around the playground is not heavily trafficked, but just across the bridge (pictured behind the swings) lies a much busier portion of trail — it is a major connector to the Custis and  W&OD bike paths.

If you have a proficient bike rider, the playground offers a good jumping off point to go for a ride.  If you have a little one, you could use the paved path close to the playground for ride on toys, but I would steer clear of the main trail.

After we spent some time on the playground, we went for a short walk to explore the area.   Cross the bridge and turn left to walk along the creek and get to a soccer field.  A dog park is just across the field, as is a larger parking lot, accessible from 15th St.

If you cross the bridge and turn right, it will take you towards Falls Church and another park/playground — Isaac Crossman park.

Benjamin Banneker is a nice, but nothing special playground.  For us, it offered an opportunity to get out of the house and stretch our legs, but was not “drive-worthy”.   There is no bathroom facility near this playground.

Looking for more places to play? Check out my reviews of other Playgrounds, Parks, and Play Areas in Arlington and the greater Metro DC area.