Kids swing, drum, and bounce at new Apponagansett playground

May 20, 2021

The newly refurbished playground at Apponagansett Park just opened, and kids have already given it their stamp of approval as they climbed, slid, and spun in the sun on May 20.

After a $200,000 renovation that was approved at Town Meeting in June 2020, the playground at the park near the Bucket is bigger than ever.

A poured rubber surface replaced the previous wood chips, while other new features include multiple climbing structures, slides, a merry-go-round, and even a set of big plastic drums.

“It has all these different kinds of things,” said five-year-old Aubrey Machada of Fall River, who said that her favorite thing was a spinner attached to a pole. “Because it spins around, and I like spinning!”

“It’s very very cool,” agreed area resident Myles Pimental, 10.

“He loves it,” said Alexandra Parker of Dartmouth as she watched her four-year-old son Harrison play. “He makes me keep coming back!”

“It’s pretty fun,” said 11-year-old Yolanis Leiva of New Bedford, who was pushing her six-year-old sister Alaia on the swings.

She added that she liked the swings the best. “Me too,” said Alaia with a grin.

Caroll Montalvo of New Bedford brought three of her five kids out to play in the sunshine. 

“They love this park. We come here all the time, for the beach,” she said. “You have the food, the playground, the beach. We have a good time every time we come.”

As for the new playground, she said, “It looks beautiful. I know my kids are gonna have a good time!”