~*~ Playground Review: Chelsea Waterside Playground ~*~

We almost didn't write this review, because part of us wants to keep Chelsea Waterside Playground a secret forever. Tucked away between the ballfields and the community garden, this spot is hidden in plain sight—you could walk right past the entrance on a busy Chelsea afternoon and never know one of the best playgrounds in the city was sitting right there. That's exactly why it stays so wonderfully uncrowded. We rolled in on a Saturday expecting a fight for space and instead found plenty of room to spread out a blanket and let the kids run wild.

The real star here is the slide. We're talking the fastest slide the Stumpjumpers crew has clocked anywhere in NYC—steep, smooth, and just the right amount of terrifying for the eight-and-up crowd. The water features are just as impressive, with jets and sprays that had everyone soaked and grinning within minutes of arriving. It's easily one of the better splash setups we've reviewed all season.

The playground's decorative fish sculpture is looking a little worse for wear these days—some chipped paint and a few battle scars from years of joyful climbing—but honestly, it just adds to the charm. Our one real gripe: the name is a bit of false advertising. Despite being called "Waterside," the actual Hudson River is across 12th Avenue and the West Side Highway, so don't expect river views from the swings. Minor quibble aside, this is a five-stump playground through and through, and we're only telling you about it because we trust you to keep it locals-only.