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Peabody Park
712 Tanglewood (the corner of Central Ave. and Tanglewood)

Memphis boasts 100 parks with playground equipment and Peabody Park in Midtown near the Cooper-Young neighborhood is one of the nicest. We discovered this park early on and the kidlets have been dragging us there ever since. On our most recent visit the park was clean, and a handful of children were playing and there was a group of moms who were part of a playdate.

The play structure is a sprawling blue plastic and metal complex with at least five different slides. There is plenty to climb on and swing on and run around and under and over. In addition there are two baby swings, four regular swings and two swings particularly modified to accommodate special needs children. On the day we were there one of the regular swings was broken. There is also a walking path and a gazebo along with three benches for those of who like to sit occasionally.

The Peabody Park has a beautiful art sculpture by Yvonne Bobo that attracts the interest of children. The park also shares space with the Raymond Skinner Center for disable adults. On the day we were there, the adults were talking a walk around the park. These folks can be very friendly and touchy, but I’ve never felt worried or threatened. After their walk, they did some playing and exercises. It was nice to watch their interactions — one bold fellow (who had to be 6′2″ and 200 pounds even braved the twisty slide).

In the summer (between Memorial Day and Labor Day), Peabody turns on its sprinkler park. It is smallish (especially if you’ve been to Collierville’s version) but it is a guaranteed good time and wonderful break from the Memphis heat. I’ll do a full-review closer to next year, but it is a great summer stop-in.