Fully fenced-in playgrounds: they’re few and far between, amiright? 🥴 But I’ve got a new one for you today that opened last June: Merrick-Moore Park in Durham.
Ruth has now dubbed this park her “Elsa castle” due to the neat medieval castle design of the main play structure. While this playground isn’t particularly large, we think the theme can lead to lots of creative play for kids.
Besides the castle, the playground also has swings, a swinging disc, an accessible merry-go-round, and other low-to-the-ground play structures.
Past the swings, you’ll also see large wooden beams with a pirate flag up top. I was slightly confused about this structure because there were no official climbing posts, but it did look climbable from notches sticking out on the logs where branches had been cut off. It did kind of also look like splinter central, so the verdict is out on that.
The ground under the playground is the squishy, poured-in ground, but the play area does also have some dirt as well as mulch in the low-to-the-ground plant areas you can see in some of the photos.
Happy to report this playground does at least have some shade covers, but everything is not completely covered. Hopefully this will provide relief this summer.
There are benches in the play area, as well as a shelter with picnic tables right next to the playground. Bathrooms, including a family room, are also located in that shelter.
We also very much appreciated the public art located at this park. There are 2 butterfly benches by the playground, and a beautiful set of art and benches right as you come into the park honoring the Black history of this area and the park’s namesakes. (See photos 9 and 10 to learn more about that important history.)
The park has plenty of parking, likely due to the fact that it also houses athletic fields. To get to the playground, enter the park and go toward the back. You’ll see on your left a pavilion with yellow picnic tables - turn and the playground is behind the pavilion.
Last, the geotag for this post isn’t exact, so here is the park address: 632 N Hoover Rd, Durham 27703.
What are some of your favorite fenced-in parks? Let us know in the comments!
(Note: We're currently working on updating our website with our reviews. This review was originally posted on Instagram on March 20, 2024, and Facebook on May 21, 2024.)
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