After a few 90-degree days full of sunshine, everyone’s thoughts have turned fully to summer! And given last year’s strange and shut down summer in Charlottesville, parents and kids alike are excited to see that spraygrounds and pools are reopening. Hence our visit on one of the first Friday mornings of heat to get wet at Greenleaf Sprayground!
Greenleaf Park in general is a great park. Although parking is terribly limited, the playground itself is large, inclusive of all ages (although very popular with the toddler audience), with a great amount of shade. There is a basketball hoop and a large pavilion for picnics.
Once part of McIntire Park, but cut off once 29 came through, its location simultaneously central yet somewhat tucked away.
But where this park really differentiates itself at the splash pad.
This splash pad isn’t huge, but it is big enough to accommodate all of the kids we saw on this particular morning easily. This is extremely toddler-friendly (and popular). Public restrooms are nearby and while there isn’t much shade for parents to enjoy on the side of the sprayground, there is plenty of room to enjoy water and freedom to play.
The ground is a padded foam and shoes aren’t necessary unless desired.
With multiple water features of different sizes and strengths, kids of all ages can have fun here.
This park and splashpad are so well-maintained and clean – it was really a joy to be here with the kids.
And, honestly, it’s also simply a joy to be able to have activities and parks like this available to us again as we go into Summer 2021. This summer, even the small things feel like large celebrations.
More on Greenleaf Park and Sprayground:
- 1598 Rose Hill Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22903
- Official website
Raising Charlottesville is a website dedicated to highlighting fun & local activities for families living in the Charlottesville, VA area.