Preston’s Playground
Welcome to the ultimate parent’s guide to Preston's Playground. Located at the base of the Newark Reservoir, this all-inclusive spot is widely considered one of the best in Delaware for accessibility and variety.
1. Quick Decision Summary (Go / No-Go)
• Best age groups: Toddlers (18mo+) through age 12.
• Fully fenced? Partially. It is mostly fenced in, but open on the side facing the hill and the corner near the parking lot.
• Shade rating: 3.5/5. Giant umbrellas cover large equipment sections, but seating is mostly in the sun.
• Bathrooms: Yes, on-site with two stalls.
• Parking: Free dedicated lot directly adjacent to the park.
• Accessibility: 5/5. 100% accessible with ramps to all platforms and adaptive features.
• Surface type: Seamless blue rubberized flooring (no mulch or woodchips).
• Overall recommendation: A must-visit for families, especially those with runners (mostly enclosed) or children with mobility needs.
2. Play Areas
The playground is designed so all children can play together, but specific features cater to different stages:
• Toddler area: Features ground-level play panels and smaller structures that are specifically noted as toddler-friendly.
• Big kid area: Includes high platforms accessible by wide ramps, monkey bars, and faster slides.
• Sensory or adaptive equipment: An adaptive merry-go-round (flush with the ground), sensory panels, and vestibular play options.
• Swings: A massive bank including standard belt swings, baby bucket swings, and high-back adaptive seats with harness-style closures.
• Slides: Several varieties including straight and curved slides integrated into the ramped structures.
• Climbing structures: Monkey bars and various climbing frames integrated into the main play units.
• Unique features: Dual small zip lines and a "spinny" ride that guests frequently highlight as a favorite.
3. Facilities & Parent Essentials
• Bathrooms and changing tables: Restrooms are located right next to the playground. (Changing tables are typically present in these newer Newark facilities, but verify on-site).
• Water fountains: A water station and fountain are available on-site.
• Benches: Scattered around the perimeter, providing clear sightlines to the equipment.
• Picnic tables: Several tables are available for snacks or parties.
• Pavilions: There are no covered pavilions at the playground itself; the nearest ones are across the street at Old Paper Mill Road Park.
• Walking paths: A paved trail surrounds the playground and connects to the Reservoir loop.
• Parking location: The lot is literally steps from the entrance—very low "walking distance" stress.
• Stroller friendliness: Excellent. The rubber surface and lack of curbs make it easy to navigate even with a double stroller.
4. Know Before You Go
• Shade throughout the day: The giant umbrellas are great, but as the sun moves, the equipment at the edges can lose coverage. Seating for parents is almost entirely unshaded.
• Equipment that gets hot: While the umbrellas help, the blue rubber surface can still absorb heat on 90°F+ days.
• Busy days/times: Most busy on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Thursday mornings are typically the quietest.
• Maintenance condition: Generally high, as it was built in 2018 with strong community and city support.
• Mud or puddles after rain: The rubber surface drains well, but the grassy hill on the "open" side of the fence can get muddy and slick.
• Noise level: Can be loud on weekends due to the popularity and the way sound carries in the base of the hill.
• Visibility from benches: Excellent. The open layout makes it easy to keep track of multiple children from the side benches.
• Safety concerns: The two "escapes" in the fencing mean you cannot 100% relax if you have an eloper.
5. Beyond the Playground
Preston’s is part of a larger recreational hub:
• Walking trails: The Newark Reservoir Trail offers a 1.8-mile paved loop with breathtaking city views.
• Fishing: Catch-and-release fishing is available nearby at the reservoir or Hillside Park.
• Sports: Old Paper Mill Road Park (across the street) has pickleball and sand volleyball courts.
• Hiking: Wooded trails for family-friendly hikes are accessible in the adjacent William M. Redd, Jr. Park.
• Splash pads: There is no splash pad here, but Dickey Park (approx. 5 mins away) has a spray area.
6. Parent Pro Tips
• Best time to visit: Arrive by 9:00 AM on weekends to beat the heat and the crowds.
• Seasonal tips: In winter, the Reservoir walk is very windy; the playground is more sheltered at the base of the hill.
• Nearby ice cream: A 5-minute drive takes you to UDairy Creamery for locally made ice cream, a huge favorite for Newark kids.
• Hidden gems: Walk up the paved path to the top of the Reservoir before playing—the view is the best in Newark.
• Things first-time visitors should know: If the main lot is full, use the overflow parking at the new Old Paper Mill Road Park.