I'm guilty of playground prejudice - I like to go to the same one again and again because it's the easiest for me, thanks to a gated fence and shady trees. But my kids are sick of the same old slides and desperately in need of expending some energy. That's why we're hitting some different playgrounds before summer gets too hot and sunny. First on the list: Sweet Apple Elementary.
Tell the kids not to worry, they're not headed back to school early. A city of Roswell public park with walking trails shares space with the Fulton County school at the juncture of Crabapple, Etris and Hardscrabble roads. The entrance is off Crabapple Road and restrooms are located in the soccer building near the parking lot. A one-mile long, packed gravel trail circles the school and playground and includes plenty of grassy room to run. You can bring balls or sports equipment and use one of the school fields. There are also a couple of adorable bridges and some wildlife along the trails that my children love. Last week, we watched a robin bathing in a creek, heard bullfrogs in the pond and found a mound of deer poop by the woods - which was naturally the highlight of our day.
A smaller playground with a partially covered sand pit is open year-round and has bucket swings for the little ones. Once school is out, however, the public is also invited to use the school side of the playground, which has more challenging climbing equipment and regular swings. Between the two playgrounds is a picnic shelter with tables that are great for a brown bag lunch or even meetings and small parties. The shelter can be reserved for special occasions by calling 770-641-3706.
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The only caveat is that Sweet Apple doesn't have a lot of shade. By lunch, it can get pretty hot during the summer, so be sure to bring water and sun protection. And of course, a camera to capture the deer poop.
