Tantra Park was the first park we visited last Sunday. Based on the map I knew the park was tucked away behind the houses but the park sprawls in an odd shape and I wasn’t sure where the playground structure was located. I looked at the satellite image and misidentified a catch basin as the likely spot.
We parked by the tennis courts on W Moorhead Cir and crossed the street to enter via a path. The path curves behind the subdivision houses and marks the beginning of a dramatic elevation increase. As we walked along the path in search of the playground I saw a sign strongly advising against sledding down the hill because it was steep with no flat area to slow down before you hit hard objects. Of course, now that I’m back with internet, I see that Tantra is a very popular sledding hill in winter. Who knew?1 According to Boulder Families the hill can get quite packed. This site gives you a feel for how it looks in winter. While I can see how some parts of the hill may be too steep I think there are probably other sections that are fine.
After meandering along the path we found the playground structure backing up to the east curve of Tantra Park Circle. However, I’m not sure there is a way from the street to get behind the houses. Possibly the tennis courts are as good a place to park as any.
The playground structures are pretty good for such a hidden park. They have equipment for ages 5-122.
Overlooking the 5-12 play area is another area designed for younger kids that includes a play house and bucket swings.
I decided it was time to see what Julian thinks of swings: he approves.
Calvin was excited that Julian is finally doing something he can relate to and joined us on the swings.
If you look really (really) closely you can see Julian’s two brand-new teeth, discovered the prior day.
Beside the younger kid play area there is a covered structure with a picnic table. The picture shows steps from the 5-12 age play area but there is a path curved around the back that allows access to strollers and other wheeled contraptions.
Calvin played briefly with some kids but didn’t spend a lot of time on the larger structure.
Instead, he wanted to show off for Julian.
The playground equipment was mostly fairly traditional with the exception of . . . something I can’t find the name for. Basically it’s a raised flexible tube, with springs in the middle, that kids can jump on while hanging on to poles. It looks pedestrian when only one kid is on it but if you get multiple kids it can get quite bouncy.
Both Calvin and Julian had lots of fun at this playground and if we’re around for winter we’ll need to come back and see if we can do some safe tobogganing.
Summary:
| Features | 5-12 playground equipment, curved slide, bridge, ladder, corkscrew climber, driving wheels panel, spiral slide, money bars, tube bouncer, tire swing, bucket swings, moving maze panel, 2-5 year old play structure (mainly house but also a sand tube oddly positioned no where near sand) |
| Surface Material | Small gravel for the larger play area and poured rubber for the younger area |
| Restrooms | No |
| Water fountain | No |
| Shade | Small shelter plus trees to the side of the playground |
| Picnic area | Yes, one in covered shelter. |
| Parking | Street parking – Parking across from the tennis courts on W Moorhead Cir about as good a chance as any. |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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