In the 1980s, M. Paul Friedberg, a pioneering landscape architect, created the initial design for Billy Johnson Playground.
Friedberg is well-known for his bespoke, site-specific play settings that stimulate exploration and creative play and who designed the city’s first adventure-style playground in 1965.
The Central Park Conservancy finished renovating Billy Johnson Playground in 2018 with the goals of preserving and reinforcing the playground’s rustic charm, as well as expanding play options and making the playground more accessible.
The Robert Wood Johnson Charitable Trust first provided funding for the Billy Johnson Playground, which is named after a family member who was killed in a motorbike accident.
The twenty-one playgrounds in New York City’s Central Park each have their own distinct style and features. The majority of the Park’s playgrounds were constructed in the 1930s as part of an interconnected network of open spaces.
The Conservancy continually modernizes these areas by installing new apparatus and infrastructure that reflects evolving conceptions of children’s play as well as updated safety and accessibility norms.
Since 2011, the Conservancy has been working to repair or renovate all the playgrounds in the Park, with the aim of bringing them up to the same standard of excellence simultaneously and focusing on making them seem more connected to the Park’s landscapes and experiences.
Opening its gates today is one of Central Park’s most popular playgrounds, Billy Johnson Playground. The playground, which can be found on 67th Street on the eastern edge of Central Park, is a popular spot for children thanks to its distinctive rustic architecture and unusual features.
Friedberg took cues from Central Park’s natural elements while designing the playground, which is why it includes a wooden shelter (resembling the summerhouse adjacent in the Dene), plantings and trails, and a miniature reproduction of Gapstow Bridge.
The Conservancy has spent the past few months updating the area by installing new play equipment and replacing older pieces that have worn out over time. Today’s guests may enjoy not only the tried-and-true attractions they’ve come to expect, but also some brand new features designed to up the fun factor.
IMPROVEMENTS TO BILLY JOHNSON PARK
A 45-foot granite slide winds around a massive outcrop on the northern end of the playground, making it the most popular element and possibly the most adored of any Central Park playground.
Regulars at the playground often arrive with pieces of cardboard to sit on for additional speed, and lines of children (and occasionally adults) wait patiently to take a turn sliding down the slide.
The Conservancy installed a second, smaller granite slide as part of the makeover, making the slide more kid-friendly.
The 45-foot granite slide is a playground favorite. In addition to the larger main slide, there is a secondary, smaller slide that is great for toddlers and preschoolers.
Despite the fact that swings weren’t included in the blueprints for this playground, the Conservancy installed toddler bucket swings in the ’80s to satisfy demand. We recently finished a project that involved swapping out the old bucket swings with new tire swings. In the swing area, guests can also find a more extensive rustic pergola and benches for carers.
The playground’s swing set has been upgraded with a tire swing, new benches, and an expanded rustic pergola.
It was planned to add a water element in the playground’s amphitheater, but it was never built. Water jets have been installed in the ground beneath the amphitheater, and a spray feature has been added to the existing water feature near the stone bridge.
In early 2019, a new rustic sand table with an integrated water source and a play structure featuring net climbers, slides, and a bridge, both designed in conjunction with Friedberg, will be installed in the sand area on the playground’s western side. Sand play is welcome while these items are being made.
Our renovations to Billy Johnson Playground have improved the area while maintaining its historic charm. The playground and the road leading to it from Fifth Avenue were regraded and repaved to make them wheelchair accessible, and new play features were added in addition to the rustic design that was already present in the swing area and the entrance.
New York’s Up-And-Coming Billy Johnson Playground
New amenities, including additional water jets, have been added to the Billy Johnson Playground in the park near East 67th Street. In addition, there is a massive fort with a climbing net that features a number of platforms at various heights.
In New York City, a second, smaller granite slide of the same design may be found to the left of the main slide with a sandbox complete with “walk the plank” seats for sitting or jogging.
Billy Johnson Park’s Splash Pad
A flat mosaic area, the water playground at Billy Johnson Park is surrounded by amphitheatre seating while an underground water supply springs to surprise visitors.
The water feature requires children to press an interactive button to begin spraying but once the water begins flowing, children can leap and dance atop the fountains with a few more to be found under the bridge and in other parts of the area.
Also included are an old-fashioned stone bridge (the playground bridge is ideal Troll Bridge for fun storytelling games, amusements, perfect for a game of hide-and-seek. baby swings in Central Park, triple brand-new bucking broncos and a tire swing with everything encircled by the typical natural rock formations of Central Park.
The use of timber log framing in this renovated play area not only makes it more visually appealing but also contributes to the playground’s “back to nature” atmosphere.
New York City’s Rustic Playground Concept
The architect M. Paul Friedberg created the current rustic and natural design for the playground in the 1980s and it has been improved by the remodeling and the low hedge planting in and around the playground is fantastic, as is the mosaic circle with picnic bench and the stone circle seating.
Plenty of benches can be found under the playground’s rustic entrance and all around the swing sets and because of that incredible slide, it has to be considered one of the best as there isn’t another slide like it at any of the Central Park playgrounds so if you’re looking for a Central Park Adventure Playground in New York City, this is the place to go.
The kids can’t run away and you can keep an eye on them from practically anyplace in the park.
Restaurants Near Billy Johnson Playground In Central Park
Dancing Crane Cafe is the closest place to get meals and coffee to go.
Visitors to the Park and Zoo can choose from a large selection of tasty meals, snacks, and drinks.
Seating is also available both inside and outside.
What Is The Billy Johnson Playground History
It was built in the mid-1980’s, the result of a design competition to revamp the old tired playground that stood there. M. Paul Friedberg was the winner, and the outcome was the first adventure playground of its’ kind in New York City.
Who Is The Billy Johnson Playground Named After
Research tells me it was name after journalist and onetime editor of the now-defunct New York Tribune, but I cannot find any sources to back this up, so perhaps the mystery is not yet solved?
Is The Billy Johnson Playground Closed
No! It’s now open again after its’ recent refurbishment. Hallelujah!
Billy Johnson playground is at East Side at East 67th Street and Fifth avenue.
Telephone: 212-310-6600 – Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Central park conservancy)
Billy Johnson Playground Opening Hours
Central Park is free and open to visitors 365 days a year at 6:00 am and closes at 1:00 am. Billy Johnson playground hours are from 8am to dusk.
Free Entry
There is no parking in Central Park although many parking garages are available nearby.
Facilities At The Billy Johnson Central Park Playground
Toilets: No. Closest toilets are at the Dancing Crane Cafe, or at Conservatory Water.
Disability access: Limited. It’s a bumpy, lumpy playground. There are no wheelchairs or scooters available for rent inside the Park.
Shade: No shade sail. Trees only.
Enclosed: Yes
Ground cover: Concrete pathways, sand, rubber flooring under swings
Picnic tables: No.
Electric BBQs: No
Water Bubblers/fountains: Yes
Scooters and Bikes: Yes, BYO. Plenty of bike and scooter pathways in Central Park.
Dogs: No