Columbus Park Playground, Chinatown

This no-frills Lower Manhattan Playground between downtown courthouses and Chinatown is part of a vibrant community park, and it serves well as a pitstop when exploring the neighborhood.

There are two, nearly identical play structures on either side of the playground, which are best suited for the elementary-school crowd. Each has a succession of straight monkey bars and hanging rings that can be a challenge to conquer. These bars may be too high to reach, requiring a boost for little ones to latch on. Ladders and steps lead to platforms, with a descent by mid-height double straight slides, higher twisty slides, or a couple of fire poles. One structure has a chain ladder; the other an arched ladder that leads straight to the highest platform.  

Between the two play structures is a wide span of asphalt, and dividing the playground further is an expansive, geometrically-shaped, red walled recessed court with water sprays.  

There are three baby swings and a universal-access swing. There is a popular ping-pong table in one corner.

Visibility/Safety? There are unobstructed views across the playground for keeping track of kids in different areas. The three gates of the playground seem to be always wide open, and so the playground is used as a short-cut for pedestrians to the other side. The space is also used by many adults for stretching, exercise, and ping pong.

Bathroom Emergency? There is a Parks Department building at the playground with restrooms, and additional restrooms at the pavilion at the north end of the park.

Snack Time/Coffee Break? Next to the playground along Mulberry St. you can find sandwiches at Sam’s Deli or Chipilo. One street over on Mott St. there are many options for dumplings, bubble tea, and other fun Chinatown treats. The quickest, least expensive Chinatown snack is at the no-frills, to-go Fried Dumpling shop on Mosco St.  

Features: Slides, baby swings, universal access swing, monkey bars, water sprays, shade, benches, bathrooms, nearby coffee & snacks.

Fun Fact: Columbus Park is one of the City’s oldest, built at the end of the 19th century in what had been the notoriously dirty and dangerous “Five Points” tenement neighborhood of European immigrants.

What’s More? The larger park surrounding the Playground includes well-maintained basketball courts, a turf soccer field, and a large set of adult exercise bars. The paths within the park are lined with plantings, benches, and tables. It is known as a gathering place for local Chinese residents, who can be found playing traditional games and music. Many events, hosted by various community organizations, take place here.

Gianna Abruzzo is EatPlayExplore's playground correspondent and the person who knows Manhattan's parks better than anyone. Brooklyn-born and mother of three, she has raised her girls on these playgrounds and spent years championing the parks that make this city liveable. She created a collection of embroidered iron-on patches to celebrate them. Shop her patches here and follow her on Instagram.