Continuing our West Hollywood Park and recreation theme, this morning Oliver and I went to West Hollywood Park (647 North San Vicente Boulevard). A playground and toddler park that lies just steps away from The Abbey. As tempting as it is to leave your kid in the fenced in play area and grab a sour apple martini at the bar, please refrain from doing so.
This park is perhaps the cleanest, yes I said it, the cleanest park we have been too hands down. The sandy area in the toddler playground was freshly raked and the equipment was in great shape. West Hollywood Park also has a bigger kids play area with a really cool tube slide that spirals. The bigger kids’ park is covered with wood chips and surrounded by a big grassy area and shade trees. There is a public pool where kids of all ages can take lessons (although there is a ton of Chlorine in the pool—so much that I could smell if from the other side of the fence. That said, it’s probably a good thing given the number of kids peeing, er, swimming in there.)
The crowd initially was made up of attractive, presumably straight couples (although I had my doubts), Latina nannies, and expecting single moms with children. Who knew that so many “normal” people would be found in West Hollywood and did I mention that this park is right behind The Abbey. Go figure.
At around 11am a couple of single Dads (clearly gay, but whatever…) came around with their toddlers. It felt nice to not be the only “one” around. Oliver played well with all the other kids who were having a blast in the Toddler area. In addition to being well groomed and up to date with the latest playground equipment, the toddler area is also covered with a mesh tenting so that it is shaded even when the sun is at it’s peak—protecting Oliver’s pasty white complexion and provided a nice diffused light for pictures. As you will see from the blog I took quite a few.
There is a rock near the kids play area that dedicates the park to a little boy who died September 11th alongside his Daddy and Papa. Very sad, but moving dedication to a family who once enjoyed the park.
Without question,we will be frequenting this park. Four Stars!!
West Hollywood Parks ARE for kids. I stand corrected.
I'm thinking of you so much today! The newspaper has several articles about the re-opening of Strong Children's Museum. It is now the 2nd largest children's museum (Indianapolis has the largest). It features "Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden" (year round - it will be fun to sit among the butterflies in winter!), a walk-through Reading Adventureland inspired by children's books and a major exhibit showing the meanings of play. I have to find a child and check it out! It was great before this expansion. I'll let you know if it meets all the hype. I'm sure it will!
Love to you all!
We went to the "members only" grand opening of Strong and it was GREAT! The girls went crazy with the butterflies and the play area is really cool. There is a new book area where the kids were running around like crazy and you can check out books there (just use your public library card and you can return the books at any library!) The next time you're in town, we'll check it out. It should be in tip top shape by the time you guys travel back to NY!
Oliver, Thank-you for all the great pictures! I love them all! You look like you're having sooo much fun. Your Dad's love you sooooo much and they share you with everyone they TRUST. Grammy can't wait to get there so you can show me all your new PARK ADVENTURES. I miss you so much! All I do is look at your pictures and cry for you. Soon my love, Grammy's coming real soon. XOXOXOXGrammy
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