This large playground has seen better days, but is certainly crowded and well used.

There is one large piece of climbing equipment and it fills quickly with kids. It’s in a sunken area that’s accessible only by two stairs. In fact, good luck getting around this playground with a stroller or wheelchair. Each section is segregated by two or three steps, and there was only one ramp up to a small section with a twisted ladder structure. It was more of an art piece than an actual climbing structure and even though our toddler attempted a few rungs, he soon realized there was no place to go. 

There was a large concrete retaining wall along part of the park. Our toddle loved walking along this like a balance beam, although it was one of the most dangerous components of the park. He was very much entertained by it, but even walking alongside him was stressful since the wall was high enough it would have been difficult to catch him if he fell. 

One of the biggest problems here is there’s no fencing keeping smaller kids contained the playground. It’s great that this midblock plaza integrates two cross streets, but the open access means small kids can wander off. The location of this park lends itself to be the center of the community, but its not well maintained. There was also lots of litter and the whole place needed some landscaping. The flower beds are mostly filled with weeds. It’s a classic case of neglect from a city that prioritizes everything but families, especially in poorer neighborhoods. 

Because its adjacent to the school, there is an asphalt field where children can run around and play, although this wasn't in great condition either. There were also handball courts.

This is a playground that could be a major part of community life if the city simply made the investment. 

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The playground was named for former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt in 1985. In the 1960s, Public School 81 was constructed on the adjacent property, and the playground is jointly operated by Parks and the Department of Education.