When mining for outdoor fun, it’s easy to overlook some of the hidden gems in your own backyard. Hickory’s own “All Children’s Playground,” installed at Kiwanis Park to honor the memory of Zahra Baker, celebrates its fifth anniversary this year. Still, I’ve met many families in the region who have yet to take advantage of this colorful and accessible play area.
The playground's largest feature is perfect for little ones to explore with several slides, swings, shaded areas, manipulatives and even a built in scavenger hunt. The ground is cushioned with an absorbent material that helps protect from bumps and bruises. My kids love the giant see-saw boat, in which several kids can work together to create a swaying motion as a group. This feature is also wheelchair accessible, so everyone can get in on the fun.
If your older kids are looking for greater heights, the climbing webs are great for any Spiderman enthusiast. And, no one can resist the hillside slide, which is built into the terrain and sends kids on a bumpy ride to the base. A picnic in the “treehouse” or one of two picnic shelters makes for a perfect day. The restroom facilities are well maintained, and the park is a great place to warm up and dry off after a visit to the adjacent splash pad.
Be sure to check out this gem of a park this summer, and year-round! The park is located at 805 6th SE St in Hickory and is open daily 7am-9pm. For more information, contact the City of Hickory at 828-322-7046.
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Like this article? Check out these other reviews of local parks in our area:
- Catawba Meadows Park (Morganton)
- McGalliard Falls Park (Valdese)
- Martha's Park (Morganton)
- Conover City Park (Conover)
Have a park in mind that you'd like to review? Submit it for our Parks & Playgrounds Guide and get paid with our guest writer program!
