Two Village Playgrounds Built Around Transfer Systems

Both play areas sit inside one park and cost nothing to enter. One holds ground level equipment and accessible restrooms, the other was shaped for children on the autism spectrum. Winter closing comes at 6:00 PM.


Two stops inside one park


North side of the square

Wheelchair users can reach the play structures here without being lifted. Mobility transfer systems are built into the equipment, and accessible public restrooms sit on the same site. Tactile panels and a water play area give younger children something slower to move through. Opening runs from 7:00 AM and entry costs nothing. Caregivers who plan around restroom access can treat this as the anchor of the afternoon.

Washington Square Park Playground4.2 (12)Manhattan, New York

Designed for the spectrum

A short walk across the park changes what the space is built for. Play Hills was shaped for children on the autism spectrum, with sensory areas and companion seating for adults who stay close. Accessible drinking fountains sit within the play area. Wheelchair access here is limited. Visitors who relied on the transfer equipment at the first stop will want to plan the order of the afternoon around that difference.

Play Hills4.9 (8)Mon – Sun, 07:00 – 18:00Manhattan, New York

Winter cuts three hours

The season decides how long an afternoon here can run. Both playgrounds close at 6:00 PM from November 1 through March 1, and both stay open until 9:00 PM from March 2 through October 31. Entry stays free at either one. The pairing gives caregivers two different setups inside a single park, one arranged around transfer equipment and one arranged around sensory calm. Anyone working with a fixed nap window will want to take the earlier slot.


More playgrounds, other boroughs

Ask Karpo for more information.