Patch Park Review: Junction Park

 Junction Park, at 12305 Excelsior Boulevard, offers a sliver of nature in an otherwise bustling suburban area.

Excelsior is a busy street. Any parent going by Mapquest might overlook Junction as being perilously too close to danger if their children are at an age where their feet can outpace their good sense. It's good to discover that the designers of Junction Park seemed to think the same thing.

Junction offers a peaceful staycation in nature, with its high tree cover surrounding all sides. It's built into a naturally low area, with heavily treed hills on it's north side, trees and a wetland pond on its west, and a tree-line ridge on it's south, blocking much of the noise and accessibility to Excelsior Boulevard. There is a direct clearing the the busy street near the playground, but planners have ingeniously built it in a bowl, leaving a five-foot high, and somewhat steep, incline that would slow down any toddler who thought exploring too close to the road was a good idea.

The park itself is very nice. A typical, modern plastic- and vinyl-covered metal play area with a wood-chip ground, there are two play areas; one for big kids and another for little ones. The big kids' area is well-designed, and concentrates mainly on acrobatic play, with zip lines, and an interesting spring-tilting balance beam.

A great feature for parents is a central shelter with picnic tables, which, due to design needs, actually makes them conveniently wheelchair-accessible. It stays shady throughout the day, which is excellent for parents looking to relax while their children play. In fact, my only criticism of the playground area is that, despite the full tree cover around the park in general, the playgrounds have very little shade, and get very hot in the midday sun. It is definitely a park for morning or late afternoon playing.

West of the playground is an excellent half-court blacktop for basketball, with a hopscotch board in the corner. Beyond that is a good-sized grassy field and soccer net, all of which is surrounded by a walking path. There is a wetland next to the park beyond the thick treeline. It's not an aesthetically appealing water feature, but adds the sights and sounds of nature, which any child can enjoy. However, because it was so well-hidden, and not far from the walking path, it's a caution for small, curious children. 

All in all, Junction Park offers a great afternoon for active children, and in an area where helicopter parents can touch down, relax, and let their kids run, but it's a good idea to keep an eye on the them when they wander too close to the edges. The park is surrounded by nature's fencing, but it can make it all the harder to spot a lost child if they move beyond the trees.

Features:

• Off-street parking
• Tennis courts
• Walking/Biking trail
• Playing field
• Hard court
• Picnic areas
• Picnic shelter
• Playground
• Playground (young children)