Cottonwood Park; Richardson, TX

Our rambling tour of the playgrounds of Texas starts in North Texas, technically in the town of Richardson -- but essentially two blocks outside of Dallas -- at Cottonwood Park.

Although we live in Houston, inspiration struck while paying a visit to family (Hi Nina!) in the North Dallas/ Richardson Metroplex, so here we start.

Location

In Richardson, on Beltline Road at Cottonwood Dr. Just East of Coit.

Parking and Access

The park is very accessible on foot from the surrounding neighborhoods, and although there is plenty of parking, I'll discourage you from bringing your Cadillac Escalade stretch limo into the lot.

You might be able to turn it around, as was the driver of the stretch who was there while we were, but it might not be worth the hassle. If you're thinking about taking the stretch, consider taking two cars, instead.

Setting

Inside the City of Richardson's Cottonwood Park.

Restrooms, water fountains and other city park amenities are all handy.

Playground Amenities

Three standard issue play areas, in varying stages of wear, and age-appropriateness.

Short, tall and curly slides, over plenty of wood mulch ground cover.

There are plenty of swing sets although they're a little bit older. There's also a smaller swing set, with wrap around seats, for toddlers.

Cleanliness and Maintenance

Some of the play areas are slightly older than the others, and it shows. There is some light rust on exposed metal stairs, but it doesn't appear to be anything dangerous, in my highly un-expert opinion. My boys can usually find a way to scrape their knees playing with a 4-square ball in the grass, though, and they came away unscathed.

Litter is present, but it's not a major issue. It looks like the park is cleaned up regularly, but was due for a pick-up on this Saturday afternoon.


Scene

Cottonwood Park is no hidden treasure. On the Saturday afternoon of our visit, there was a sizable crowd from the birthday party going on nearby, a few elementary aged kids playing as their folks watched on, middle-schoolers wasting the day away -- as they are wont to do-- and a couple of middle aged white women chasing after (adopted?) Asian toddler twins. I know one of the twins was named Joy. I'm afraid the other might been Luck.

Bonus features

Cottonwood Park is a community park, with a city pool, basketball and tennis courts and a nice sized creek running right through the middle. The playground is a safe distance from the creek, but extra caution is always advisable around water.

There is a pedestrian bridge and a walk-over dam, which makes for a nice setting for a stroll, if you want to get away from the crowds on the slides and swings.

For our visit in in April, bonus points, on our 0-0 point scale, are awarded for the two mother ducks with ducklings swimming in the creek, but the park does not come with a duckling guarantee.

-J