Hovey Park
266 Aiken Ave
Lowell MA
Date/time visited: Friday, September 26th at 2:00pm
Bathrooms: No
Parking: Yes
Shade: Not much
Benches/tables: Yes, both
Fenced In: No
Additional features: Sports field
Hovey Park is Lowell’s first fully ADA accessible playground, and it is an impressive park to say the least! It was renovated a few years ago to feature all new play equipment that children of all abilities can use.
I really liked the modernity and overall layout of the park. It was very thoughtfully designed to be inclusive, plus it is bright and visually appealing.
There are a variety of play structures, including a roller slide (my son’s favorite) and some regular slides, swings for all ages, plus plenty to climb.
Children with physical disabilities can easily make it to the top of the slides based on how the park is laid out. There is a slope that leads you right to the top of the slide rather than having to climb a ladder or stairs to get to the top. At the bottom of the roller slide, there is a “dignity landing” - a chair directly next to the bottom of the roller slide for those who may need a minute to get back into their mobility device or to take a break. There are also wheelchair bridges on the play structures. I thought these were really great features to have.
In addition to the playground, Hovey Park also has a sports field. There are benches and picnic tables, plus plenty of grassy space to picnic on. The playground area does not offer much shade but there is some shade under the trees on the grass.
The park, while not fenced in, is set back from the road a little bit. Another feature I appreciated was the soft foam flooring. It’s so much better than mulch!
I was really impressed with Hovey Park! All parks should follow in their footsteps to create more inclusive playgrounds. All kids deserve a space to play that fits them and their unique needs.
Holly O'Blenis is a mom of four who loves finding new, exciting things to do to create a fun, happy childhood for them! She is an avid reader and crafter who loves the outdoors.
Learn about other local playgrounds in our Playgrounds in Greater Lowell Guide!
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