This modern playspace definitely had some fancy ideas about how children play, but it's not the most practical playground in the city. 

Like many of the waterfront parks on the East River, this one is relatively modern but also very crowded. The design is decidedly new with a sweeping water feature running through the center of it, and a big turf mound reminiscent of the old mounds in Washington Square Park. But as is the problem with many overly designed play spaces, the simplest components are the ones used by the kids, and too little thought has been given to how children play. 

We'd just come from the other waterfront park in Long Island City – it was a warm September afternoon and the whole waterfront was crowded. After running around the primary piece of climbing equipment, our toddler ran from section to section looking for something to do. 

The odd turf-covered mound in the center of the park turned out to be quite fun to run up and down on. Unfortunately, the water feature drain wasn't working correctly and standing water pooling around it meant wet feet and an early departure. Because the water ran through the park, there wasn't really any way to keep him from dropping his feet in the water. 

Also as we left, he wanted to go play on the blue playground – the exercise equipment in the basketball court area. It was clearly confusing and looked like another playground because of the coloring on. 

The park does have great views of Manhattan with clear line of sight to the Empire State Building, Bank of Americ aTower, Chrysler Building and more. However, I wouldn't plan on stopping at this playground again, and might even try to actively avoid it. 

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The Long Island City waterfront was once an industrial hub that has been transformed over the last several decades into a modern residential hub with a waterfront walkway along the East River. Hunter's Point is easily accessible by NYC Ferry, and not so easily accessible by 7 Train or walking over the Pulaski Bridge. This playground opened in 2013