Click here for a map of the Playgarden. Riverside Park’s Habitat Play Garden began as a community idea in the fall of 2000. A group of neighbors concerned about the “old rusty tot-lot’, yearned for a fun, safe, welcoming park. Ideas were solicited from local children, seed money was raised and the “habitat” theme was born! Playworks Inc. under the direction of Gerry Slater, and Landscape Architect Margarete Harvey facilitated the design and building process. State-of-the-art playground equipment was installed and the Urban Ecology Center became eventual manager of the park.
The Habitat Playgarden combines environmental awareness with play. Climb the Spider Web, play hide and seek in the woods, slide like an otter, check out the "Giving Tree", spin on the merry-go-round and play tag with the frog. There are picnic tables made from three different materials were used (recycled plastic, ACQ treated wood, and native rot-resistant black locust) and trash cans painted to represent different habitats. It's a place where you can be active or just sit and read.