ANDY LIVINGSTONE PARK PLAYGROUND
Normally we don’t rate playgrounds but in this case, it’s a safety issue.
Bottom line, don’t come here. There’s too much broad daylight drug use, paraphernalia and risk of encountering an unpleasant situation. There are much better and safer places to play where you don’t have to potentially take your children near illicit drugs.
This lone freestanding arch is a fun rope climber that’s unfortunately in the wrong place at all the wrong times. Installed during the building of the Crosstown Elementary School playground, it replaced a former log climbing structure in the same spot.
This rope climbing arch would be enjoyable for older kids if it wasn’t for the meth heads that frequent the area. And by area, I mean the benches a couple of feet away from this play arch.
Unable to steer my children fast enough away from the attractive climbing net, I chose not to cause a scene (which would trigger endless questions from my oldest) and waited until they had their climbing fill. All the while being extremely close to two old men who were smoking their meth pipe – one spaced out with his gut hanging out of his raised shirt and unbuttoned pants while the other quietly chuckled to himself. Fortunately, most meth heads keep to themselves, which is exactly what they did and I didn’t need to shout at my spider-kids to hurry on down from the cable web.
Needless to say, don’t go to this spot. It’s a waste of an expensive play structure that’s in a rough part of town, near a spot where people loiter. And loiter they do because it’s by a small walkway next to the sports field and fieldhouse. There are plenty of other playgrounds in our beautiful city that’s much more enjoyable and safer.
Oh and obviously it’s best to avoid the fieldhouse washrooms here.
If you’re reading this post because you came here from the Crosstown Elementary playground post, note that this structure at Andy Livingstone Park isn’t visible from the school playground. But it can be seen from the high vantage point by the reflecting pool with the stepping stones. Divert your kid’s attention if you want to avoid them seeing this additional place to play.
Are you a downtown local? Do you frequent this spot? Were we just here at the wrong time? Feel free to send us a comment.
FEATURES
- Baby Swings: no
- Swings: no
- Sandbox: no
- Sand Digger: no
- Spring Rider: no
- See Saw: no
- Telescope: no
- Music Features: no
- Spinners: no
- Zipline: no
- Trampoline: no
- Splash park: no
- Accessible Features: no
ENVIRONMENT
- Ground: rubber
- Shade: partial
- Fenced: partial
- Fallen Fruit: pine cones
AMENITIES
- Seating: benches
- Washrooms: fieldhouse, use at own risk (aka don't go here)
- Water Fountain: no
- Hours: 6am to 10pm
- School: yes
SPECIAL NOTES
- Daytime drug use and paraphernalia in area. Don't go to this playground.
- Don't use the fieldhouse washrooms.
- Downtown skateboard plaza is by the southeast corner of Andy Livingstone Park