Iacono Playground
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Iacono Playground stands out as a peaceful, well-maintained outdoor multi-sport complex and playground that caters exceptionally well to diverse age groups. Its unique value proposition lies in providing separate, age-appropriate play structures, including thrilling 'very high slides' for older kids and a designated area for younger ones, all laid on bouncy rubber padding (no mulch). Parents will appreciate the serene environment, free from disruptive teen activity, and the added amenities like a water play area, shaded grassy spots, covered picnic tables, and adult exercise equipment, making it a comprehensive and safe family destination.
Key Highlights
- ✓Very clean park, well-kept overall (except for basketball court which was noted as not clean by one reviewer).
- ✓Peaceful atmosphere with no disruptive teens, ensuring a safe feeling for younger children.
- ✓Dedicated play structure for older children, featuring two 'very high slides' that are thrilling and perceived as safe.
- ✓Separate play structure for younger kids, ensuring age-appropriate activities.
- ✓Playground surfacing consists entirely of bouncy rubber padding, not mulch, enhancing safety.
- ✓Small water fountain/play area, surrounded by a grassy area.
- ✓Shaded grassy area and covered picnic tables available for parents and families.
- ✓Includes multi-sport facilities: baseball field, outdoor basketball court (also used for pickleball), and tennis court.
- ✓Two pieces of workout equipment provided for teens and adults.
- ✓Good for families and people of all ages, with ample space for children to run.
- ✓Often has baseball or basketball games to watch, adding to the lively atmosphere without being chaotic.
Standout Features
- ⭐Separate play structures effectively cater to different age groups.
- ⭐The 'very high slides' offer a unique thrill for older children.
- ⭐Soft, bouncy rubber padding under all playground areas enhances safety.
- ⭐Water sprayer/fountain play area for cooling down and fun.
- ⭐Shaded grassy area and covered picnic tables provide comfort for parents.
- ⭐Comprehensive multi-sport facilities (baseball, basketball, tennis/pickleball) for active families.
- ⭐Outdoor workout equipment for adult fitness.
- ⭐A consistently peaceful and safe environment, free from disruptive teens.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →**Plan for Restrooms:** Absolutely no restrooms are available, so plan accordingly by taking children to a restroom before arrival or knowing nearby off-site options.
- →**Bring Water:** While there's a water play area, it's wise to bring plenty of drinking water and snacks, especially with no on-site facilities.
- →**Navigate Parking Carefully:** Be aware that the parking street is unpaved, dusty, and has large potholes; drive slowly and with caution.
- →**Sports Equipment:** If planning to use the courts, bring your own baseball gear, basketballs, tennis rackets, or pickleball paddles.
- →**Supervise Tall Slides:** Parents of adventurous older kids should be prepared for the 'very high slides' and supervise as needed, even though they are deemed safe.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Basketball court was noted as not clean by one reviewer.
- ⚠The street parallel to the park, designated for parking, is unpaved (dirt and loose rocks) and has 'gigantic potholes'.
- ⚠No dogs are allowed within the park premises.
- ⚠Absolutely NO BATHROOMS or restrooms available on site.
- ⚠The 'very high slides' on the older children's structure might make some parents nervous, though kids reportedly love them and they are deemed safe.
Price & Value
This is a public outdoor playground and sports complex, implying free admission. Given the extensive range of well-maintained (mostly) facilities for all ages, the value is exceptionally high, offering diverse entertainment and activity options at no monetary cost.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •No specific accessibility accommodations for individuals with disabilities were mentioned in the reviews. However, the bouncy rubber padding under the playground could potentially offer a smoother surface than mulch for some mobility devices, but this is not explicitly stated as an accommodation.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •Outside food and drinks are highly implied to be allowed due to the presence of covered picnic tables and the lack of any explicit mention otherwise. There are no on-site food vendors.
🚗Parking Info
- •Parking is available on a street parallel to the park. This street is described as unpaved, consisting of dirt and loose rocks, with 'gigantic potholes', indicating a rough parking surface.
👥Crowd Levels
- •The park generally maintains a peaceful atmosphere, with reviewers noting an absence of problematic teens and proper play settings. While sports courts may have active games (baseball/basketball), it doesn't appear to suffer from chaotic overcrowding based on the sentiment.
🛡️Safety Features
- •The playground features bouncy rubber padding as the ground surface, significantly reducing injury risk from falls compared to mulch.
- •Reviewers explicitly noted a peaceful environment where 'no teens causing problems' and 'everyone was playing in the correct setting', indicating a safe social atmosphere.
- •The 'very high slides' are described as 'extremely safe' by parents, despite their height.
⏰When to Avoid
- • If immediate access to restrooms is a necessity for your family.
- • If you require a smooth, well-maintained parking lot directly adjacent to the park.
- • If you plan to bring your dog, as they are not permitted.
- • If your children are afraid of heights or prefer playgrounds without very tall slides (for the older kids' structure).
- • If you expect a playground with traditional wood mulch surfacing.
Pricing/Package/Events
Events & Schedule
Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)
Fall-o-Ween Children's Festival
October 17, 2025
Not specified (implied free for City events)
Fifth annual Fall-o-Ween Children’s Festival
Mayor’s Cup Soccer Tournament
Registration Now Open (event dates not specified)
Not specified
Soccer tournament with registration now open.
Mayor’s Cup Cross Country
35th Year (event dates not specified)
Not specified
Annual cross country event returning to Franklin Park.
🛡️Safety Policy
- • The Boston Parks and Recreation Department aims to create and maintain clean, green, safe, and accessible open space in parks and playgrounds across the city.
📅Booking Policy
- • Permits are required for special events or athletic facility use in city parks, including park events, weddings, road races, parades, and athletic facility usage.
🚗Parking Information
- • General city parking information: Parking meters operate on normal schedules. The tow lot is open Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. - 10:30 p.m., with 24/7 automated kiosks for vehicle release. Services for resident parking permits and handicap parking are provided. No specific parking information for Iacono Playground is given.
What People Say
What's Great
- Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 2 reviews)
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 5 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Christine Marques
a year agoVery clean except for basketball court. Very peaceful! No teens causing problems or making the area feel unsafe for the younger kiddos! Everyone was playing in the correct setting! They have a baseball field, outdoor basketball court, tennis court, older children play structure (which includes 2 very high slides that almost made me nervous but my sons love them and they seem extremely safe), play structure for younger kids, swings (3-4 in total for all ages), small water fountain/play area surrounded by a grassy area and a for those parents that want some shade and 2 pieces of workout equipment for teens and adults. The actual park is definitely well kept but one of the streets parallel to park (the one you’re supposed to park on) could use some major work! It’s dirt and loose rocks so the potholes are gigantic! No dogs or restrooms! Plenty of things to do otherwise though!
Nicole Stuhl
7 months agoGreat for families and people of all ages. We use the tennis courts for pickleball. Nice basketball courts. Fun playground, interesting, really Tall slide. No mulch, all bouncy rubber padding. NO BATHROOMS
Yoshiistic
2 years agoI loved it! Has some structural parts for exercising!
tristamarquez
4 years agoLove this beautiful park. Fantastic playground for little and bigger kids, swings, basketball hoops, water sprayer, picnic tables that are covered and space for littles to run.
Ava McLaughlin
a year agosuper fun to hangout with friends and family; there’s always a baseball or basketball game to watch