Blackwell Park

Two-in-one playgrounds on Roosevelt Island

Overall Score

Five stars out of fiveFour stars out of fiveThree stars out of fiveTwo Stars out of fiveOne Star out of five

Rat-O-Meter

Rat-o-meter: five rats out of fiveRat-o-meter: four rats out of fiveRat-o-meter: three rats out of fiveRat-o-meter: two rats out of fiveRat-o-meter: one rat out of five
Official NYC Parks Website
Manhattan
500 Main Street

Features

Neighborhood
Bathrooms
No
Yes
, But NEARBY
Shade:
No
Yes
Water feature:
No
Yes
Sandbox:
No
Yes
Drinking Fountain
No
Yes
Additional DETAILS BELOW

Reviews

Not Your Nanny's Review

Playground Papa's Review

Set along the east side of the island, the playground has stunning views of the Ravenswood Generating station, the 2,480 megawatt fuel oil plant in queens. 

It’s one of the few playgrounds we’ve seen in the city with a seesaw. That alone probably isn't enough to convince you to come all the way out to Roosevelt Island. 

The playgrounds at Blackwell Park are split between the north side and the south side with basketball courts between them. They are listed as part of the same park, but it doesn't appear that one side is intended for younger children. 

The park as a whole is well shaded and the tall trees in the space do create a nice atmosphere. The playground on the northside is not as shady, and that's too bad because the equipment is bit nicer and there are picnic tables. 

Roosevelt Island overall is quiet, and the same is true of the playground. It's hard not to ignore the view of the electric generation plant across the river, but otherwise it's all very pleasant. 

Blackwell Park is a totally adequate recreational area. It serves the neighborhood, but ultimately is probably pretty disappointing given the limited amenities available. 

Bruno's Review

About the Playground

Amazingly, this playground was covered in grass rather than a rubber surface until 2018.

Additional Features

Equipment

Slides:
Yes
No
Tic Tac Toe:
No
Yes
Toddler Swings:
No
Yes
Belt Swings:
No
Yes
CHIMES / Drums:
No
Yes
Tunnel:
No
Yes
PicNic Tables:
No
Yes
Suspension Bridge:
No
Yes

Climbing equipment

LaDDERS:
No
Yes
CLIMBING WALL:
No
Yes
ROPE:
No
Yes
STAIRS:
No
Yes
RAMP:
No
Yes
Monkey Bars:
No
Yes
Chain Ladder:
No
Yes
Weird Climbing Thing:
No
Yes

Accessibility

Sensory Panels:
No
Yes
Other Sensory Equipment:
No
Yes
Accessible Swing:
No
Yes
Balance Beam:
No
Yes
RAMP:
No
Yes
Last updated:
September 16, 2024

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