Harris Whalen Park, Penfield NY

Harris Whalen Park (2126 Penfield Rd) is a beautiful park right near the intersection of Routes 250 and 441, across from Wegmans. It also happens to be accessible from the parking lot of the Gymnastics Training Center, where my daughters have taken classes.

There are two playgrounds. This one is at the top of the hill near the water tower.

The Good: Plenty of shade, benches, fun little climbing dome, big parking lot, a big covered pavilion, bathrooms, near woodland trails and grassy hills.
The Bad: Not a good playground for toddlers. I followed my 2-year-old nervously on the structure, afraid she would fall off in the big gaps under railings and the climbing element openings. All the slides are large and there's nothing toddler sized. Also, the vintage metal animals don't rock anymore.


The other playground is down the hill, tucked in between the basketball courts and tennis courts.

The Good: Lots of monkey bar-type elements. Seems a little safer for younger kids climbing, though this one also is for older kids -- the sign says it's for ages 5 to 12.
The Bad: No shade. No benches. A long walk uphill to the bathrooms.

There are some swings a short walk from this lower playground

The park would be a wonderful place for a picnic. Also, a great place to go with older children or a mixed age group, especially if some want to play sports while the little ones play on the playground.

The playgrounds themselves are not appropriate for the littlest children, but if you bring a ball or just let them run it's a pleasant place to spend a morning.