DeSalvio Playground

This is the saddest little playground I’ve ever seen. No swings, garbage everywhere, kids that are clearly hungering for some fun and are WAY too old for the sorry climbing structures, tons of adults who don’t actually have kids and are just piling on the benches for a place to eat their takeout. This playground is sad, sad, sad. There’s enough space to make something decent but this is the playground that the universe forgot. Here’s hoping some future councilperson lives nearby and cares enough fix up this sad little corner of the universe.

Most bird poop I’ve encountered in a playground! I always find myself running across the street and geting my hands on a bowl of rice pudding from Rich and Riches, located directly across the street. There are also many tasty pizzarias around for a quick lunch. We also come in for a rest during San Gennaro!

This playground is best known as the one with a few benches at the northern end of San Gennaro since it doesn’t offer anything else unique. Can’t knock it, can’t props it.

Get your pizza to-​go from Lombardi’s and eat here. WAY better than waiting in line: you have your pizza in 10 minutes, get to enjoy the fresh air, and people watch!

Am I really reviewing a tiny little park in Nolita on Unilocal?Yes, yes I am because it’s kind of darling…
Something about the quietest of the neighborhood makes it a great spot to eat lunch and just do some lovely people watching. It’s a nice break from the SoHo crowds that are just a few blocks over.
There’s a Rice to Riches and a Pinkberry just across the street if you need a public restroom.

Maybe this playground was «usually empty» four or five years ago, but times have apparently changed. There were probably 50 people here (children, adults, teens), ranging from basketball players to climbers and clamberers. Yes, it’s concrete, crowded, and heavily-​used, but little pocket parks like this are part of what make NYC come alive.

This is a great playground for kids because of the jungle gym… but I personally find it to be kind of depressing especially in the winter and summertimes when it’s usually very empty. Maybe it’s the area. It’s always a bit dull/​depressing around Mulberry/​Spring streets.