The Best Playgrounds In Bed-Stuy

From rusty and worn-down equipment, to unsavory characters, to misinformed ideas about what is socially acceptable, finding an outdoor play space these days has become a tough job for parents.

Luckily, we’ve done the leg work for you.

Check out our "unscientific" round-up of five great playgrounds in the neighborhood, where we consider safety, variety of equipment and overall environment for kids of all ages to run, jump, climb and have fun!

Herbert Von King Park (Greene Ave., Marcy Ave., Lafayette Ave. and Tompkins Ave.)

Safety Measures: 10/10

Variety of Play Equipment: 10/10

Safe Environment for Kids: 10/10

Space for Toddlers: 10/10

Total Score: 40/40

Formerly known as Tompkins park, this nearly eight acre facility is one of the biggest parks in Bed-Stuy. In addition to the playground that features two handball courts, two slides and game tables, there are a number of other ways for kids to spend time here. In addition to a baseball field that hosts several Little League teams, and ample green space to run around on, the Cultural Arts Center on-site has an indoor dance studio and classes which are held throughout the year. During the summer, there are plenty of family-friendly concerts and plays held in the outdoor amphitheater.

Hancock Playground (Hancock St. and Bedford Ave.,)

Safety Measures: 10/10

Variety of Play Equipment: 10/10

Safe Environment for Kids: 10/10

Space for Toddlers: 8/10

Total Score--38/40

Arguably the most beautiful playground in all of Bed-Stuy, beautiful stone pillars stand next to the play area, while special safety surfacing is below all the equipment in order to reduce the chance of injuries. The playground itself has two slides and monkey bars, among other features. Next door, a vast outdoor space contains two handball courts, two basketball hoops, and lots of open room for your kids to run free.  

Hattie Carthan Playground (Monroe St., Tompkins Ave., Madison St. and Marcy Ave.)

Safety Measures: 10/10

Variety of Play Equipment: 9/10

Safe Environment for Kids: 9/10

Space for Toddlers: 9/10

Total Score: 37/40

This popular spot for children received over $1.1 million in funds for a total renovation of the playgrounds and ball fields in 1998. With four toddler-friendly swings, an enclosed basketball area with two hoops, and two handball courts, there are a wide range of activities here for your kids to enjoy. There are two separate playground spaces surrounded by flowers and vast trees that provide ample shade for those warm summer days.

Potomac Playground (Tompkins Ave., Halsey St. and Macon St.)

Safety Measures: 8/10

Variety of Play Equipment: 10/10

Safe Environment for Kids: 9/10

Space for Toddlers: 9/10

Total Score--36/40

While it’s not as visually appealing as Hancock Playground, Potomac Playground more than makes up for this with the amount of equipment and space at this facility. Eight basketball hoops, four slides and six toddler-friendly swings are just some of the features found here. When the kids are done playing, there’s an ample number of benches and games tables to relax at, all of which are covered in shade from the surrounding trees. In addition, Mayor Giuliani gave the park $260,000 to replace the play equipment back in 2000, so all the equipment now has safety surfacing and shows no signs of being worn down.

Decatur Playground (Decatur St., Macdonough St., Marcus Garvey Blvd. and Lewis Ave.)

Safety Measures: 8/10

Variety of Play Equipment: 9/10

Safe Environment for Kids: 10/10

Space for Toddlers: 8/10

Total Score: 35/40

One of the few playgrounds in Bed-Stuy to feature a community garden area and grove of pear trees, Decatur also has a small play space featuring two slides, two basketball hoops and a tennis court that is readily available for use. In addition, the space has a student-designed mural and plenty of shaded seating. During the school day, the space is enjoyed by students in the adjacent IS 35 school.