1.  Annadale Playground: Let ‘em Play!

Annadale Playground

Annadale Playground is a superb go-to outdoor venue, especially if you have young kids. Being next to a school, the playground can get pretty crowded especially when the weather is all warm and nice. If you want to spend some quality time here, it is best to visit during the morning hours. The playground has separate areas for young children and their older counterparts, so you need not worry about your toddler’s safety. Annadale Playground has swings, slides, wide-area running spaces, jungle gyms, and so more to keep your kids well-occupied and entertained. The swings come fitted with rubber mats for extra safety, and they are well-fenced-off to ensure that children don’t hurt themselves by running right in front of them.

As local stories would have it, the Annadale region was named for Anna, the wife of a renowned and popular shipbuilder who hailed from here. While there is not much evidence to prove how true this lore is, the playground still bears homage to this tale. Annadale Park is found within the neighborhood of Rego Park. before being developed into the residential hub it is today, Rego Park was mainly farmland whose previous owners were Chinese immigrants and their generations.

Following major developments in the area, the city of New York acquired a parcel of land to construct the playground in 1914 by way of condemnation. Parks did not have jurisdiction rights until 1951 when this changed. Ever since its establishment, Annadale Park has enjoyed joint operation. This is following an agreement made between the city and the Board of Education. Initially, the park went by the name P.S. 175 Playground, mostly because of the school that lies adjacent to it. In 1985, the Park changed its name to Annadale Playground under the directive of Commissioner Stem.

In 2000, plans were made to renovate the playground, and Mayor Giuliani sponsored the project with $60,000. Some of the improvements made included: paving the entire playground, miscellaneous site repairs, and additional playing equipment. Some playground features here include basketball courts, spray showers, swings, handball courts, and chess tables. The playground is a lovely space that welcomes people of all ages to let out their inner child. If you are in search of a place to wind off as you get away from all the hustle and bustle of city life, then Annadale Playground in Rego Park awaits you.