Maddy's Guide to Playgrounds in Burlington - Simonds Park

 

Basics:

Date of visit: June 6th, 2024

Where can I find it? Just across from the Common. 

Bathrooms? Fully featured, when unlocked.

Parking? Lots! Just so many cars can fit.

When open? Daylight hours. 

Review:

The OG. The Master. The Grand Duke. The One park to rule them all. Many words have tried to capture the centerpiece of Burlington, and many have failed. I will try, knowing that I will fail. But, if you take nothing else away from these reviews, know this: Simonds Park is pretty great!

While most playgrounds have one, maybe two structures, Simonds has three. One for big kids, one for little kids, and one for loud potatoes that have barely gained ambulatory status. All have their appeals (the structures, at least). 

The castle

The largest of the three, which I shall refer to as the castle, boasts a bevy of slides, both spiral and straight. And, as a special treat, the rolling slide, which is guaranteed to not give you plastic burn if you are wearing the wrong kind of shorts. Even adults can ride it without fear of getting stuck.

Just the best slide of all time.

Add to that, musical instruments in the vertical xylophone, an obstacle course, complete with a balance beam and zipline, and you really have a whole package of fun for an afternoon!

My mother accompanied me on this trip, so naturally there are a lot more photos

But we've only scratched the surface! Continuing past the castle, we come to the keep on the far side. There are still plenty of slides, but with a secret tunnel that connects the ramparts allowing for quick redistribution of troops should the invading hordes begin to press their advantage on one side, or the other. 

Toddler's Keep

The most adorable of murder holes

Finally, there is the infant fortlet, with small steps, small slides, and just the right amount of enjoyment when still relying on parental supervision for distinguishing between food and feet. 

My father says everything is relative, which makes me wonder if I'm actually related to him.

There is a fair amount of history contained within the chain-link walls. The pathways are reinforced with bricks marked with names of the people who valiantly gave their lives to ensure this park's creation. My father says they donated money, but I can read between the bricks. 

My father says they are what came before Netflix, and then he started to cry. 

Just beyond the confines of the playground area are several areas worth mentioning. One is the wading pool. Sadly not open during our visit, it promises a good time for all who gain entry. Be warned, however, that one must have appropriate documentation prepared well in advance, or entry will be denied. The criteria are stricter than what is required to gain access to the infamous Berghain!

One can close their eyes and easily picture Sven Marquardt by the gate.

The more recent addition to the play area is the new tree gazebo. Most gazebos are built on the ground, providing shade in the absence of a tree. But, the playful designers of Burlington decided to suspend a gazebo in and around several older trees in the park area. 

I would not be so banal as to reduce it to simply calling it a tree house.

With so much to do, it is no wonder this review took so much longer to post than previous ones. 

Simonds Park is awarded with four castles. 

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.