The playgrounds along the city's rivers are always bursting with people, and Rockefeller playground is no exception. 

This is a large playground with a lot of variety in play, but also isn't easy to keep kids away from sand or water if it's running. 

This is a great playground. There are trees that are mature enough to off some shade, although the playground is still very sunny. There are details like concrete animal heads for water spouts that are often overlooked in modern city-built playgrounds. And there are a lot of different types of things to do, which is great. 

However, there isn't much flow. Smaller kids will find they can't across the whole climbing structure without some assistance. These deadends aren't great for independent play. 

The sand in the middle of the playground is both fun to play in, but also very messy. And since it's in the middle with slides leading into it, the sand isn't easy to avoid. 

I did like the suspension bridge, especially since it hints at the bridges crossing the Hudson River. But its pretty narrow and not really able to handle the crowds. 

Another section of the playground has a rope net suspended over a large portion of it. This is definitely better for older children– but it's high enough to offer a little protection from the sun. 

We've been here a few times, but only because we happen to be in Battery Park. I like this playground, but I'm probably not making a special trip here.

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The playground is named for Governor Nelson Rockefeller who created the Battery Park City Authority which oversees Battery Parky City.