Reservoir Park Playground — Attraction in Washington

My family and I went to the opening celebration on June 15th with our toddler. We still call it McMillan Park and everyone else we talk to about it does as well! We are so happy to have a new pool and playground in our neighborhood. The playground is on the upper part of the park, accessible from stairs on 1st St NW, or for strollers and disabled access, from Lower Service Court (the road bisecting the park along the concrete silos). I hope DCPR urgently plants trees or installs something type of shade ASAP. The playground has almost no shade and it’s baking in the sun. The rubber surface on the ground was burning all the children’s feet.

It’s a large playground with a few different play areas for kids of different ages & abilities. We liked the boat structure the kids could “row” and the “regulator house” (a tribute to the site’s former water filtration plant’s control room.) The sand pit was also a nice historical tribute, but the edging doesn’t go all the way around, so the fine (and burning hot) sand has already diffused across the entire playground and quite a bit came home with us as well.

The open grassy field next to the playground was a bit disappointing. It was brown, patchy and spikey. The soil it was seeded on was full of rocks. So it wouldn’t be great for sports, picnics, yoga, etc. I wish they had put in something more climate friendly, and some native, pollinating plants. There’s also a grass roof on the rec center & pool- another wasted opportunity for a green roof or solar panels.

The relocated historical fountain is lovely, and the view from it was a pleasant surprise. It hides 1st St and the construction, giving a view of the reservoir and Howard.

The splash pad on the lower level plaza was great. We didn’t see the other splash pad but maybe it wasn’t on yet.

The historic underground water cisterns/ catacombs on the lower level were very cool! (And also provided the only cool place to rest...

Fantastic park with lots for toddlers and kids! Clean and well designed for fun with soft rubber ground and a sandpit. The playground itself does not have benches for parents or grandparents to sit but does have a nice synthetic grass area so bring a blanket (but you'll be baking in the sun). Desperately needs more immediate shade coverings though, as some of the equipment gets too hot to play on, and parents you'll be searching for shade.

They planted trees around the playground that will one day offer some great shade, but for now, I wouldn't come mid day.

The other side of the building offers two splash pads with lights and plenty of seating. Indoor pool is a major major plus!

Update after a few days: Knocked my rating down from 5 to 4 stars. Have taken my kids here a few days in a row. It really just stinks that there is no artificial shade and no seating. Benches would be a really nice addition, and baking in the sun just isn't fun and watching your kids tell you everything they touch is hot, especially the slides. I guess 2nd degree burns gives them some character though - to earn those playground battle scars we all earned back in the 80s and 90s. Haha.

Also, paid for parking two days in a row only to find out the splash pad isn't working. Pretty upsetting after getting cooked on the playground and looking to cool off. I'd call ahead next time or...

Fantastic playground. Tons of variety in the climbing, sliding, and swinging options - a tall tower accesses a big, twisting covered slide. Other slides of varying heights with options for kids of all ages. Nice swing set with 6ish swings, including two toddler swings. An integrated sandbox, rotating carousel seat, and interesting levered four-person seat. Everything is brand new so the condition is great. The ground cover is a plush synthetic mat in most places, with some turf grass in spots too.

As others have noted, there isn't a ton of shade, although they did put in a few shade covers in a few spots. The equipment does still get hot in the direct sun so come early. Seating options are limited too. There are some benches and picnic tables, but they have poor sightlines to the play areas so not really an option for parents watching kids.

Overall it's a great playground. Will get even better as the trees grow in and the surrounding area...