Moore Homestead Playground

Moore Homestead Playground, situated at the intersection of Broadway & 45th Ave and 82nd St, Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA, stands as a significant "Scenic Spot" within its vibrant Elmhurst neighborhood. While many "Scenic Spots" are celebrated for natural vistas, Moore Homestead Playground is valued for its dynamic, child-centric environment and its crucial role as a community gathering place. Its "scenery" is defined by its lively atmosphere, modern play structures, and the joy of children playing, making it a pivotal outdoor destination for local families. As a public park, it offers valuable services and features without direct goods for sale, contributing to the overall well-being and recreational opportunities of the community.

The environment of Moore Homestead Playground has undergone significant revitalization, as evidenced by user reviews stating it was "renovated a couple years ago," specifically with a $5.2 million transformation completed in October 2020 through the Parks Without Borders initiative. This extensive renovation has profoundly improved the park's environment, making it "a great new playground for kids of all ages." The updated environment features an "expanded play area" designed to accommodate a wider range of activities and users. Key elements of this enhanced environment include "4 swings in total," a "slide," "monkey bars," a "balance beam," and a "rope jungle gym," providing diverse options for physical activity and imaginative play. The park also includes an upgraded spray shower area, perfect for cooling off during warmer months. Beyond the dedicated play areas, the environment incorporates "new pathways," "new ball courts" for basketball and handball, and a "new amphitheater" with seating and stairs, indicating a multi-functional design that caters to various community needs. The redesign also focused on "increased ADA accessibility" and the introduction of "native plant species to increase biodiversity," contributing to a more inclusive and ecologically thoughtful environment. User feedback praises the cleanliness, noting, "They do a great job cleaning up everyday too," which is crucial for maintaining a welcoming public space. However, it is also important to acknowledge concerns raised by another user regarding the environment, including "smoke cigarettes and weed at your face," "homeless people sleeping all around," and "creepy men will look into the women's bathroom," which suggest areas where the public experience of the environment may be negatively impacted for some users, particularly in terms of safety and comfort. This highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining ideal conditions in public urban spaces.

The services offered by Moore Homestead Playground primarily revolve around providing free, accessible recreational opportunities for children and families. The core service is the provision of a modern and varied play space, catering to children of "all ages." This means services for toddlers learning to run, as well as older children engaging in more complex physical activities. The equipment, such as swings, slides, monkey bars, and a rope jungle gym, are all part of the recreational services provided. Beyond the playground, the park offers facilities for more structured sports, including basketball courts and handball courts, extending its services to local athletes and teams. Public restrooms are available, which is a vital service for a family-oriented park. The park also features spray showers, offering a refreshing amenity during hot weather. Accessibility is a key service, with the park being "wheelchair accessible" and featuring "mobility transfer systems" and "ground-level play features," ensuring that children with diverse abilities can enjoy the space. Inclusive play elements, such as "sensory-friendly spaces for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders" and "multi-sensory play experiences for children with sensory impairments (Auditory, Tactile, Visual)," are also integral services, demonstrating a commitment to serving all members of the community. While there are no goods sold directly, the park effectively "sells" the invaluable service of safe, engaging, and accessible outdoor recreation. The park is open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily, providing extended hours for community use.

The features of Moore Homestead Playground highlight its modern design and comprehensive amenities. The "renovated" status, completed in October 2020 with a $5.2 million investment, is a significant feature, indicating up-to-date and well-maintained facilities. Key play features include "4 swings," a "slide," "monkey bars," a "balance beam," and a "rope jungle gym," providing a range of physical challenges and entertainment. The presence of an "expanded play area" allows for more children to play simultaneously and offers greater diversity in play. The park also boasts "new ball courts" for basketball and handball, allowing for team sports and individual practice. An "amphitheater seating and stairs" area provides a versatile space for community gatherings, performances, or simply a place for parents to sit and watch their children. "New paths" contribute to better circulation and accessibility within the park. Enhanced "ADA accessibility" throughout the playground, including accessible play elements and companion seating, ensures inclusivity. Historically, the site is significant as the location of the Moore homestead, dating back to the mid-1600s, and is linked to Clement Clarke Moore, author of "A Visit from St. Nicholas." The park was originally known as Elmhurst Playground before being renamed in 1987. A noteworthy feature from an archaeological investigation during a 1992 renovation revealed a brick cistern with artifacts from 1900-1930, adding historical depth to the site. The park's current features reflect a commitment to both modern recreational needs and historical preservation.

Promotional information for Moore Homestead Playground often highlights its recent renovation and its suitability for families. Reviews such as "Highly recommend this park for kids in this area" serve as strong testimonials. NYC Parks, the managing entity, consistently promotes the park through its official website, detailing its facilities and accessibility features, including "accessible play elements" and "wheelchair accessible" pathways. The park's operating hours, from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., are clearly communicated to local users. Information about capital projects and their completion, such as the $5.2 million reconstruction, is also publicized, demonstrating ongoing investment in the community space. The park's historical significance, named after the Moore family, is sometimes used in promotional materials, connecting the present-day recreational space with Elmhurst's rich past. While direct events are not consistently listed in the provided information, the presence of an amphitheater suggests the potential for future community programming. The review noting that "Morning time is best time to come. After school it gets a little crowded," provides valuable, practical promotional advice for local users regarding peak usage times. However, it's also important to acknowledge and, implicitly, for the park management to address the negative feedback regarding smoking, homelessness, and safety concerns, as these impact the overall user experience and perception. For an objective introduction, both the positive attributes and the challenges highlighted by users are essential. Despite these challenges, the consistent messaging points to Moore Homestead Playground as a vital, newly-enhanced recreational amenity for the Elmhurst community, offering diverse play opportunities and a welcoming environment for children and families.

Moore Homestead Playground

Broadway & 45th Ave &, 82nd St, Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA