Roosevelt Island Child Playgrounds - A Review

Roosevelt Island 360, who describes himself as "just a dad and a resident of RI" provides a very good resource for parents describing the various children's playgrounds on Roosevelt Island. The most popular playground on Roosevelt Island is named after local legend, Grandpa Munster. Here is a portion of the playground review:

Roosevelt Island’s most popular playground does not have swings, it’s smaller than all the other playgrounds and because it has two non-gated exits parents or caregivers need to watch their child a little closer to make sure they don’t run out of it. Which playground am I talking about? The Grandpa Al Lewis Playground.

...The equipment by Game-Time includes a spiral slide, a double slide suited for younger children, as well as a number of features that encourage climbing. There is a wheel that has fascinated most of the kids I have seen encounter it where they all want to push pine needled into the wheels cavity which I am sure the manufacturer did not expect or plan for.

...The kids love this playground and on a Saturday morning or after school when there is no snow on the ground it’s rare that no kids are hanging around.

As to other Roosevelt Island playgrounds he writes:

The Octagon - Most Scenic - Great rock climbing walls & two defined play structures (one specifically for the younger set)...

Manhattan Park - Best View of Manhattan - No sun protection on a sunny day, best in the AM before the sun rises over the adjoining buildings. Great slat bridge and a cute built in piano complete with four number coded tunes. Plenty of slides. One or two adult benches...

Riverwalk - Best for Toddlers - The only park with swings (2 baby, 2 standard) - Also best park for toddler digging area by the trees. Four adult benches. View of Keyspan not too inviting but great view of 59th Street Bridge.

He has more including slide show of playgrounds and videos.