Joshua’s playground in Amherst is a little different from others of its size. Rather than different experience areas it seems to have strung everything together in spectacular fashion. The main play structure takes some time to take in – there are multiple slides and platforms with ramps, ladders, steps and cargo-net style climbing rope connecting all the different parts.
One thing that stuck out to me was I didn’t see any kids flying off the ends of the slides. They all seemed to be formed just right so they didn’t dump kids onto the ground at the bottom. I didn’t have to catch any littles during our entire stay – and these are high (long?) slides!
The structure also has some nice “rock” features with one forming a little cave and another shaped just right to invite climbing/jumping. They add a nice open-ended touch to the modern design structure.
The playground has a busy road along the back of it with just enough woods in the way that you can forget it is there. This playground is not fenced but there is a simple wire fence in the woods, seemingly an extra barrier for anyone exploring into the woods edge.
Sensory Area
Off to the side from the main play area are four bucket swings, a spring rider and the sensory area. There are two large scale xylophones with mallets that make lovely music along with a sand box filled with trucks and other vehicles.
Make a day of it: Find a hike!
Quick Facts
| Parking lot |
| Not fenced |
| Porta-potty |
| Benches, covered picnic tables |
| Only bucket swings |
| Ground cover: Wood chips |
| Address: 42 Courthouse Rd, Amherst, NH |
Resources
The Black Forest Cafe is 3 minutes away on Rt 101. They have a restaurant but also a bakery area with drinks, wraps and baked goods from quiche to cookies – and a bathroom.
