Maddy's Guide to Playgrounds in Burlington - Pine Glen Elementary

 

Basics:

Date of visit: May 18th, 2024

Where can I find it? Behind the school. 

Bathrooms? None

Parking? Plenty, though a bit of a walk from the parking lot. 

When open? When there is no school. 

Review:

The Pine Glen playground is easily one of the most compelling playgrounds I have visited to date. We almost did not find it, as the play area is tucked away behind the school, with nary a piece of signage to indicate if one is headed in the right direction, or simply trespassing. 

I am happy to report that the swings are plentiful, and sufficiently squeaky to satisfy the needs of active goers seeking cacophonous accompaniment. 

So much swing! So much squeak!

Upon approach, I was surprised by the choice of fencing surrounding the area, especially given the wonderful green all around, and its placement very far from all but the most four wheeled drive of vehicles seeking to void their extended warranties. But, upon close inspection, the choices all became clear when we arrived at the centerpiece of the setup: the art installation!

The crime is art!

At first glance, it looks like a pretty standard play structure, but once you get up close, you'll find the stairs, the ladders, the slides, truly all points of egress have been blocked off in a variety of manners. Caution tape has been used as a reminder that this installation is not to be considered interactive, but there are playful uses of jump ropes, and other pieces of children's playground equipment to properly sequester access as well. The possible interpretations are vast and meaningful, from the ephemeral state of being one must be in to normally access such playgrounds before the unavoidable "growing up" makes one too large to appreciate such beauty, to the natural state of decay that eventually comes for us all. 

No matter where you swing, the installation is front and center.

My father believes that the structure is supposed to be a regular play structure, and that the central bridge appears to have broken, which is why it's cordoned off. But his aging engineering mind full of logic and Ockham's Razor is trapped in a limited, pragmatist perspective that prevents him from seeing the beauty that this piece offers. I do not doubt that some of the children at the school were involved in its creation. Either from the wrapping of the tape, or perhaps the artist put it up in real time as children tried to bypass the restrictions to gain access to the piece. What more evidence do you need than the fact that there is a special chair for children to sit and gaze upon the structure, while contemplating its meanings?

The viewing chair is a nice touch.

Ultimately, while it is compelling, the size of the installation has dramatically reduced the amount of available play systems, which I think is what a playground should truly satisfy. To that end, I will score this one with four caution tapes.

Madelyn Hope Lewis is the senior playground tester of Lewis Developments, and a connoisseur of playtime activities. When she's not exploring Massachusetts fun time architecture, she can be found scouting out where is exactly "the line" with her parents.