Overall Grade: A (22 points/ 24 points)
+ Seesaw
+ Restrooms
– Only one play area for all ages
– No signage indicating expected behavior
Active families could easily while away the day at Ford Park East in Allen. The expansive park was developed in 1986 as Allen’s first athletic complex and offers everything from baseball and soccer fields to hike and bike trails. Kids will gravitate toward the colorful playground area outfitted with everything from a modern take on the seesaw to a “look-out” complete with a telescope. The lone playground is designed to accommodate kids ages 2–12, so parents will want to keep a close eye on little ones. There are plenty of tables for picnicking, though not a lot of shade. Ford Park East scored an A* on the Safety Report Card, losing points only for a lack of posted rules regarding expected behavior and no separate play areas for kids of different age groups. 705 Whitman Dr.
*Based on the National Program for Playground Safety’s Report Card at playgroundsafety.org
This review was distributed to the City of Allen Parks and Recreation for further review and/or action.
