Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Pratt Park Playspot (5722 Pratt Drive, New Orleans, LA)



On to our next New Orleans Park Review! The next park looked fairly large from the map, so it seemed intriguing to explore. The Pratt Playspot is located between Prentiss and Fillmore, just west of the London Canal in Gentilly.
As you can observe below, the park is in a residential neighborhood.  There’s no parking lot, but lots of street parking.

For Google Maps, you can use the address 5722 Pratt Drive, New Orleans, LA and you will be on the right side of the park.  Right where the "P" is on Pratt Drive.  There is lots of street parking around. 
Personally, it seems the most ideal parking spot is on the street, located on the map by the “P” on Pratt Drive.  It is a shady street and a short distance from the playground.
You will just have to walk a little to get to the actual playground next to the swing set.  It seems like you might be walking into someone’s backyard, but just follow the path and you will find it.
14961205078_c1553c1969_o
On one side of the path, you have gorgeous lilac trees!
14961208968_0fa4f6783d_o
The other side of the path appears to be a full size football field.  There are only goal posts on the grass, no markings, no lights, no bleacher seats.  Perhaps a weekend football pick up game?  The goals were slanting downward a bit, as you can see below.
15147363272_92cabf36e0_o
The path will turn
15147388172_ee46b54810_o
Keep going, you’ll see the playground.
15144787711_44f2865986_o
15147380352_8a11a51e11_o
Play area designed for kids ages 5-12
15147406502_6062f8d432_o
Some fun playground stuff!
15147459472_0128f39cce_o
15147453582_b77bc1a765_o
15147417032_c2e1c6ae9a_o
14961278787_6911f8cc30_o
15147442372_c7fc5b385d_o
14961102559_02257b3047_o
Off a little ways, there was a piece of playground equipment.  It seemed a little rusty.
14961331307_de299cae84_o
Also visible from the park is this playground.  It appears to be a private playground, belonging to the house by it.
14961330508_0266d3c843_o
There is also two different swing sets.  The one below seems very close to the trees.  As you can see below, the top of the swing set is rubbing against the tree. 
14961321938_eaec5c171c_o
14961170449_8347c945de_o
14961306437_bce4299afc_o
The other swing set in the park is very open.  The metal looks a little rusty but appeared to be in working condition. 
15144809741_56c92aa52a_o
14961230148_1899e62b55_o
Lots of open green space.
14961126290_f185efd424_o
Quick guide: 
Bathrooms:                          No
Water fountains:                  No
Trash cans:                         No
Picnic Tables:                     No
BBQ:                                   No
Shelters:                              No
Shade:                                Yes
Park Benches:                    Yes
Fenced playground area:   No
Dog Park:                           No
ADA Accessible:                No
Parking:                              Street
Baseball/softball:                No
Football:                             Yes
Biking:                                Yes, for small children
Boating:                              No
Scenic view:                       No
Tennis:                              No

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Oak Park (5134 Perlita Street, New Orleans, LA 70122)





Visited the Oak Park, located over in Gentilly.  It is next to Arthur Ashe Charter School in Gentilly. You can find it by using the address:

5134 Perlita Street, New Orleans, LA 70122 to find it. 


Here's the handy overhead map below.  It is a fairly large park with lots of shade, thanks to the gorgeous trees that are around the playground and benches. 


There is no designated parking lot visible.  You can park on the street fairly easily.  The park is located in a quiet residential neighborhood.  If you're visiting the playground specifically, it would make more sense to park right next to it. 



A happy little sign welcomes you to the park!
Playground
In front of the playground, but wasn't working when I went.  Hopefully it will be fixed soon. 
A little ramp greets you at the entrance.
Park intended for ages 2-12.  That's quite an age range!
Groovy slide
Fun
Swings!  Also great swing seat if you had someone that needed some extra support
Good fun stuff!
Lots of shade and a trash can is always handy at a park. 
Little amphitheater 
Gorgeous shady trees with little park benches built around them.
Enclosed tennis court!  Anyone that has played tennis knows how valuable this is!  The gate is on the other side.
Tennis court looks like it's seen some better days but net is up.  Surface of tennis court appears to be concrete with this paint seen on it. 
It's almost as if the trees are saying "hi" with their long branches.
Doors were locked when visited, appears to be a maintenance shed?
Only bathrooms visible, next to the baseball field.  It's quite a walk from the playground, so be prepared!
Bleachers like this on both sides of the 1st baseball field
Looking down 1st base line down towards the playground
Home plate clearly visible
Wide open field, the 2nd baseball field is at the end, though not quite as developed
Walking back to the playground.  Watch your step for sure!  Probably not the best if you have someone in a wheelchair.

Okay time for the amenities check: 

Bathrooms:                                      Yes, porti-potties only
Parking:                                           Street parking
Picnic Tables:                                  Yes
BBQ's:                                             No
Shelters:                                          No
Shade:                                            Yes
Park Benches:                                Yes
Fenced playground area:                No
Dog Park:                                        None designated
Baseball/Softball:                            Yes
Basketball:                                      No
Tennis:                                            Yes
Biking:                                             Possibly for kids on the sidewalk around the park
Boating:                                           No
Water fountains:                              Yes, present although not working
Trash Cans:                                     Yes
Amphitheater:                                  Yes