Summer Fun For the Family at Fort Lee’s Parks

In mid-March—just before spring had sprung—Fort Lee Patch About Town columnist Ann Piccirillo provided a rundown of “The Playgrounds of Fort Lee.” We thought it was worth another look now that summer is here, apparently, to stay.

Here we highlight five of Fort Lee’s parks complete with Ann’s original commentary:

“Located on Anderson Avenue, adjacent to the American Little League Field, this playground has a colorful assortment of equipment: swings, slides, climbers, picnic tables and benches. It also has basketball courts and a roller hockey and skateboard rink,” Ann wrote. “Use of skate rink [is] for Fort Lee residents only. You must register at the Fort Lee Community Center to receive an entrance pass.”

William T. Birch Park (at the Fort Lee Recreation Center)

“Located on the grounds of the recreation center off Stillwell Avenue, these 5.6 acres offers hours of fun. A playground that is handicapped accessible includes swings, slides, climbers, merry-go-round, a wading pool, eight tennis courts, lighted basketball courts, baseball field, handball court, picnic tables, and a fully accessible Recreation Center with bathrooms.”

“Located on Whiteman Street and Gerome Avenue, this park sits on a dead end street whose dirt path leads to the island of Abbott Boulevard. A popular walking, running, biking area, Firemen’s Park is not very wide, but it is very long. It has slides, swings, climbers, a wading pool and picnic tables. Because of all the trees, it is very well shaded, making it one of the most popular parks during those dog days of summer.”

“Located right in the center of town between Fletcher Avenue and Lewis Street on the site of a former movie studio (directly across the street from the Mediterranean North and South apartment buildings), this playground has swings and climbers, a walking/running track, two baseball fields, a bocce ball court, shuffleboard, picnic tables, park benches and bathrooms. There is also a concession stand that is open during the summer months.”

Coytesville Park

“Formerly known as 6th Street Park, Coytesville Park is located on 6th Street. In 1998 this park was dedicated to the Coyte family, the founding members of Coytesville. This park is bordered on its south side by the pristine wooded preserve of Palisade Interstate Park. There is a play area for older children with a slide, swings, climbing equipment and monkey bars, and a separate area for younger children with an animal merry-go-round, bouncers and a slide. There are handball courts, tennis courts, a basketball court, a wading pool, picnic tables and park benches. There is also an original Spanish-American War Cannon that originally sat on the Palisades, but was moved to this park.”

Editors Note: Ann subsequently reported in April that the Coytesville Park wading pool is no more.

For a complete list of parks in Fort Lee, click here.