Benson Playground

For New Yorkers seeking a delightful and safe outdoor space for their little ones in Brooklyn, Benson Playground stands as a quiet yet valuable neighborhood asset. Located at the intersection of Bath Avenue & Bay 23rd Street, this inviting playground offers a dedicated environment where children can play freely and families can enjoy some relaxed time outdoors. While not a sprawling park, Benson Playground is designed with the needs of young children and their caregivers in mind, providing a secure and manageable space for active play. It’s a testament to the importance of local green spaces, offering a convenient and accessible spot for daily recreation right in the heart of Brooklyn's Bath Beach area.

Benson Playground is conveniently situated at the corner of Bath Avenue & Bay 23rd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11214, USA. This accessible location places it squarely within the residential and family-friendly neighborhood of Bath Beach, making it a highly convenient spot for local residents and those in surrounding areas.

Accessibility to Benson Playground is quite straightforward for New Yorkers. For those relying on public transportation, several MTA bus routes operate along Bath Avenue and nearby thoroughfares, with stops typically within comfortable walking distance of the playground. While a direct subway connection might require a short walk or a bus transfer, the park is reasonably close to the D train line, which serves the Bensonhurst and Bath Beach areas. For instance, the Bay Pkwy station (D train) is not far, offering a potential walking route or a quick bus connection. Cyclists will find the local streets navigable for reaching the park, and it serves as a pleasant destination for a short ride. For those driving, street parking can be found in the surrounding residential areas, though as with many parts of Brooklyn, it's advisable to check local parking regulations and be prepared for varying availability, especially during busier times. The playground's integration into the local street grid and proximity to public transit ensure it remains an easily accessible and utilized resource for the community.

Benson Playground is specifically designed with young children and their caregivers in mind, offering a focused range of services and amenities that prioritize safety and engaging play. Based on recent customer reviews and common features of neighborhood playgrounds in New York City, here’s what you can expect:

• Age-Appropriate Play Structures: The playground is thoughtfully divided into areas catering to different age groups, specifically featuring a "toddler side as well as the bigger structure." This allows younger children to play safely while older ones can explore more challenging equipment. One parent appreciated that "My son enjoyed the toddler side as well as the bigger structure."
• Secure Environment: A key highlight for parents is the design featuring "only 1 entrance so my toddler can roam freely without me worrying about him trying to exit from another entryway." This single entry point significantly enhances safety and provides peace of mind for caregivers.
• Swings: As with most playgrounds, Benson Playground includes swings, providing a classic and beloved form of recreation for children. A review notes the presence of "baby swings."
• Benches and Seating: While not explicitly detailed, the nature of a playground designed for supervision implies the presence of benches or seating areas for parents and guardians to rest while watching their children play.
• Cleanliness: One reviewer described the park as "nice and clean," suggesting that it is generally well-maintained, contributing to a pleasant environment for visitors.

It is important to note that while the park provides essential play equipment, visitors should be prepared for certain environmental factors. A review mentioned that "the baby swings Always always have bird poop on them," indicating that bringing wet wipes is a good idea. Additionally, "if it’s a really hot day don’t come here because there is ZERO shade so it’s gets a little overwhelming with the heat," which is a crucial consideration for planning a visit.

Benson Playground, while perhaps not as sprawling as some of Brooklyn's larger parks, possesses several key features and highlights that make it a cherished spot for local families:

• Toddler-Focused Design: A significant highlight is its suitability for very young children. With a dedicated "toddler side" and structures that are "safe enough for my kid to roam freely without me having to worry about him falling off high steps," it's clearly a favorite for parents with little ones, as one reviewer noted, "This is probably one of my favorite playgrounds for my toddler 1.5 yr old, and I've took him to quite a few."
• Single, Secure Entrance: The design with "only 1 entrance" is a critical safety feature that provides immense peace of mind for parents. This thoughtful layout allows children to "roam freely without me worrying about him trying to exit from another entryway," a huge advantage in an urban setting.
• Uncrowded Atmosphere (Especially Off-Peak): Reviewers noted that the park can be "not crowded" if visited "earlier. Like before 12" on weekdays. This offers a more relaxed and less overwhelming experience for young children and their parents, allowing for more expansive play and less stress. "There were no kids there at all" on a Tuesday late morning for one visitor.
• Neighborhood Convenience: Its location right in the Bath Beach neighborhood means it's an easily accessible spot for daily outings without requiring a long journey, making it a true local amenity.
• Clean and Well-Maintained (Generally): Despite the note about bird droppings on swings, the park is generally described as "nice and clean," suggesting good overall maintenance by NYC Parks, which contributes to a positive user experience.
• Essential Play Equipment: The presence of various play structures, including swings, ensures that the fundamental needs for active play are met within a compact and manageable space.

A notable consideration, however, is the "ZERO shade" issue mentioned by a reviewer. This is a crucial detail for planning visits, especially during hot summer days, as it can get "a little overwhelming with the heat." This highlights the importance of visiting during cooler parts of the day or bringing appropriate sun protection.

As a public playground maintained by NYC Parks, Benson Playground does not offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the retail sense of discounts or sales. Its core "offer" is the provision of free and open access to its recreational facilities for all New Yorkers. However, the park inherently provides several invaluable "special offers" in terms of community benefits and accessible outdoor activities:

• Free Safe Play Area: The most significant "promotion" is the provision of a secure, free-to-access playground, specifically designed for young children, with "only 1 entrance" for added parental peace of mind. This offers an essential, cost-free resource for families to allow their children to play actively outdoors.
• Free Toddler-Friendly Environment: For parents with toddlers, the dedicated "toddler side" and safe play structures are an invaluable "special offer," providing an ideal space for very young children to explore and develop motor skills without concern for overly high or complex equipment.
• Accessible Outdoor Recreation: The entire playground offers a free venue for physical activity, encouraging children to run, climb, and swing, contributing to their physical development and overall well-being at no cost.
• Quiet Play Opportunities: As noted by reviewers, visiting "earlier. Like before 12" can lead to an "uncrowded" experience, offering a more peaceful and less overwhelming environment for sensitive children or those who prefer less bustling playtimes. This quiet access can be considered a "special offer" in a dense city.

To learn about any community events or free programs that might occasionally be held at Benson Playground or other nearby NYC Parks facilities, interested locals should regularly check the official NYC Parks website for the park’s specific page or general announcements for the Bath Beach area. Local community board updates and neighborhood social media groups can also provide information on any free, localized activities taking place.

For inquiries regarding Benson Playground, its facilities, or general NYC Parks information, you can utilize the following contact details:

Address: Bath Ave &, Bay 23rd St, Brooklyn, NY 11214, USA

Phone: (212) 639-9675 (This is a general NYC Parks phone number, useful for overarching inquiries about park management, maintenance, or policies across the city.)

Mobile Phone: +1 212-639-9675 (This appears to be an alternative or direct line for NYC Parks, which oversees all city parks, including Benson Playground.)

For highly specific local issues or to report maintenance needs at Benson Playground, you might also consider contacting NYC's 311 service, which can direct your concern to the appropriate NYC Parks department for the specific location. Visiting the official NYC Parks website (nycgovparks.org) and searching for Benson Playground is always recommended for the most current information regarding its amenities and any specific local updates.

Benson Playground is exceptionally well-suited for New Yorkers, particularly families with young children in the Bath Beach neighborhood of Brooklyn. Its thoughtful design, emphasizing safety and ease of supervision, makes it a preferred choice for parents of toddlers. The single entry point allows little ones to "roam freely without me worrying about him trying to exit from another entryway," a significant relief for caregivers in a bustling city. The clear separation of play structures for different age groups ensures that even the youngest explorers have safe and appropriate equipment to enjoy.

Furthermore, the park’s ability to be "not crowded" during certain times, like weekday mornings, provides a more relaxed and enjoyable experience, which is a rare commodity in New York City parks. While the lack of shade is a crucial consideration for hot days, it also highlights the park's open and airy nature, perfect for cooler weather or for bringing your own sun protection. Its consistent cleanliness and the presence of essential amenities like swings contribute to a pleasant user experience. For local residents, Benson Playground offers a convenient, secure, and engaging outdoor space for daily play, fostering physical activity and providing a vital community resource. It's a testament to how even smaller neighborhood playgrounds can make a significant positive impact on the quality of life for New York City families, proving to be a true local gem.

Benson Playground

Bath Ave &, Bay 23rd St, Brooklyn, NY 11214, USA