Bay Ridge Playground: The Whale & Sensory Play

Bay Ridge Playground, located within the John J. Carty Park in Brooklyn, can be found at the northern end of the park, next to the car park space. It offers a chance for kids to play amidst colorful play structures include the iconic whale.

Brooklyn’s John J. Carty Park is located just after the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge that connects Brooklyn to Staten Island. While tennis fans may flock there to make use of the park’s tennis parks, families in the Bay Ridge would find the park’s Bay Ridge Playground a bigger draw.


Bay Ridge Playground: Play for Kids in the Neighborhood

Bay Ridge Playground: Play for Kids in the Neighborhood
Photo: NYC Parks / Malcolm Pinckney

The previous playground structures in the park were given a revamp in 2024 with the old red and steel play equipment replaced by bright yellow climbing structures along with a green platform where kids can still have plenty of fun.

These are located under the trees of the north end of the park.

The green play platform consists of a low ramp that makes it less intimidating for kids. They can run up and down the play structure and also engage with the various yellow trimmed play panels. Multiple slides run out from the platform of the green playground structure.

There is also climbing structures for kids to enjoy and challenge themselves at the Bay Ridge Playground, providing a way for them to have fun while also building up their confidence at the same time. The arced climbing structures lead to a platform where they are rewarded with an elevated view of the rubber clad playground.


Have a “Whale Slide” of a Time

Have a "Whale Slide" of a Time
Photo: NYC Parks / Malcolm Pinckney

One prominent feature that has been carried over from the previous Bay Ridge Playground is the blue whale. This friendly-looking whale structure is a mini slide for toddlers and has been an iconic part of the John J Carty Park playground.

The playground’s play spaces cater to kids 2 to 5 years old and 5 to 12 years old.

Sensory play feature
Photo: NYC Parks / Malcolm Pinckney

The playground also has a sensory play feature. Designed in consultation with an occupational therapist, the Bay Ridge Playground sensory play feature is made up of dashed painted lines and colorful shapes spaced throughout the pavement.

These are there to provide visual stimulation, fosters an internal drive and motivation, and promotes brain development amongst kids.

Fitness equipment at John J. Carty Park, Brooklyn
Photo: NYC Parks / Malcolm Pinckney

The playground also has with new fitness equipment, ping pong tables, spray showers, and seating.

Where: Fort Hamilton Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11209, United States

If you enjoyed this story, we think that you may also enjoy this other New York City playground story.

Malena Gómez
Malena always had a thirst for travel but never believed that she would have the opportunity to explore the world. She is grateful to have been able to visit many new places and spend time ticking things off her bucket list, one at a time.

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