Fort Barnard Playground REDESIGNED (22204)

In June 2014, Fort Barnard Park re-opened after being completely redesigned.   We had visited the park prior to renovation and were curious to check out the new and improved version.  What a great job they did!

The new playground design takes it’s cues from the park’s history as a civil war fort.  The main play structure looks like a fort, there is a canon themed hopscotch board, and an abstract sculpture that looks like a canon.

The park has play areas designed for both older and younger kids.

Big Kid Play Features (Ages 5-12)

Big Play Structure 

There is a large play structure with a various climbing elements and a tube slide.

Spinning Rope Pyramid Merry-go-Round

This is a really cool play feature that I had never seen before.

Kids can climb on the inside or outside of this structure, and there is also a second level to climb up into, but the really cool thing is it rotates like a merry-go-round!  It feels fairly heavy to rotate, and while it did turn smoothly, it  did not move fast enough to fling anyone off.

Dish Swing

This was another new-to-me playground element.  The Biggo Swing is designed to be accessible and accommodate up to 4 children at a time.  Everyone loved it, whether they were gently rocking like in a hammock, or testing the limits of gravity.

The big kid play area also includes a stand-up solitary spinner (visible in the background of the above picture).

Little Kid Play Features (Ages 2-5)

The little kid area features a smaller climbing structure with slide, two bucket swings, and a spinner bucket, and a rocking horse.

The surface material throughout the park is either soft rubber or mulch — almost every element has the soft rubber surface under it, making it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

Other Park Features

Gazebo

Ball Field

Basketball Court

The perimeter of the park has shade and ample seating, but most of the play elements sit in full sun.

There is no bathroom, but there is a water fountain.  There is no parking lot, but there was plenty of street parking.

Summary

Even though it was a warm summer day, all three of my kids had a lot of fun on this playground.   Lack of a bathroom and shade are really the only negatives — kids of all ages will enjoy this park and it’s fun features!

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.