One of the best park days ever was spent at the Homberg Stadtpark, known locally as the Pirate Ship Park. There is a large wooden pirate ship playground anchored in an enormous knee deep wading pool full of hefty rafts constructed in such a way that they can carry a heavy passenger load around the 'sea' despite its shallow depth.
Typical of German parks you assume all risk and personal responsibility. There are no gates, fences, staff. Just a giant ship and lots of shady trees around the edges from which moms and dads can keep an eye out.
unless of course Dad lands himself in the water too....
Marvelous! I lived in Germany from 1972 until 1987, and always remembered Germans as not very child-friendly. To me (a child/adolexcent/teen most of that time), it seemed they preferred flowers and dogs to children. Maybe things are changing a bit...?
Posted by: Nadja | July 16, 2011 at 02:05 PM
Oh, what a wonderful park! Wasn't it here that I saw the cool dinosaur park that my 6 y/o son thought was so amazing? He'll like this one, too! +JMJ+
Posted by: annita | July 16, 2011 at 07:20 PM
What a terrific idea for a play park! Gracious. My children would love such a place!
Posted by: Ellie | July 17, 2011 at 02:50 AM
That looks like soooo much fun!!!
Posted by: Theresa | July 17, 2011 at 07:02 AM
Gosh, that looks like a blast! And the sun is shining where you are! (It doesn't know it's summer here, apparently.) Kim, your photos are so beautiful. Your little girl modeling down below is sweet, sweet, sweet. Lovely family you have. (I have internet now, so I'll be dropping by more often again.)
Susan L
Posted by: Susan | July 18, 2011 at 02:02 AM
My kids would love that place! Anytime you add water to a playground, it has to be fun. :)
Posted by: Rebecca | July 22, 2011 at 06:53 AM