One of the most popular playgrounds in Monmouth County has to be the Challenger Place Park Playground in Colts Neck New Jersey. Built as a playground for ALL children with all abilities, situated in Dorbrook Recreation Area that has a sprayground, visitors will find between the playground and the larger recreation area there is so much to do and enjoy here.
As part of our challenge to write about 100 New Jersey playgrounds in 100 days we bring you the details about Challenger Place Park Playground, a playground in Dorbrook Recreation Area in Colts Neck New Jersey, part of Monmouth County.
As we mentioned the playground is part of the greater Dorbrook Recreation Area, located at 209 County Route 537 in Colts Neck, New Jersey. The park is part of the Monmouth County park system.
This playground has multiple playground structures that will have your kids swinging, climbing, digging, rolling, and more. Beyond the swings, slides, and monkey bars kids will find lots of ways to play.
In our earlier review, our writer said, "Lots of choices for children of all ages. The playground was created for children with all different types of abilities. It is so creative with every type of slide, monkey bars, wobbly bridge, and climbing structure."
There are 2 swing structures. One swing structure has 4 baby swings.
The other swing structure has 2 traditional swings and 2 molded-bucket swings (no straps or harness).
There were slides on both the older kids playground equipment and the toddler playground structure. The older kids structure had a twisting slide, a slide with rollers, and 2 curvy slides.
The toddler and preschool structure had a side-by-side slide and a curvy slide.
Oh my gosh! There are so many special features at this playground: climbing walls, rope ladders, stepping pods, springy platforms, ride on toys, tunnels, and a mister.
If that wasn't enough there is a spinning globe, zip line, 4-person see-saw, and sensory play areas.
One of the big draws to this playground is the large sandbox with tunnels, various diggers, and lots of sand toys. Kids could spend hours creating sandcastles.
Don't miss these windchimes either. They are tucked in between some trees just off of the playground. Visitors can use the attached pieces to play music.
The squishy, rubber padding ground surface makes it really hard to skin a knee or elbow should someone fall or trip.
Dorbrook Recreation Area is a universally accessible playground and includes elevated surfaces that are accessible to those in wheelchairs and Braille signs for individuals who are visually impaired.
There is a ramp onto the largest playground structure. It's wide and guests with wheelchairs and strollers can wheel around most of the structure stopping to play at different sensory areas along the way.
There is an area with drums and xylophone-style musical instruments that can be played by visitors standing or seated.
There is a wheelchair-accessible Sway Fun glider.
The checkerboard table has an open spot where a guest with a wheelchair can roll up and play.
In the sandbox area, there is a digger that is accessible for those who want to sit in their own wheelchair or stroller while digging.
Learn more about the history of Challenger Place Park on the Monmouth County Park website.
This playground was designed with shade in mind. It is surrounded by big trees that provided lots of shade. There are umbrellas around the playground. Some cover some playground equipment while others cover a bench or two.
Dorbrook Recreation Area offers multiple parking lots. There is a parking lot adjacent to the playground though it's hard to see the playground as you're passing the parking lots. Take the first parking lot. If you miss it the second set of parking lots is not too far from the playground.
There were port-a-potties located near the playground. There are indoor restrooms available between the sprayground, pool, and tennis courts.
In addition to the playground at Dorbrook Recreation Area Playground, there are additional amenities available for visitors.
One of the most popular amenities at Dorbrook Recreation Area is the sprayground. It's free and has everything for a perfect hot summer day! The sprayground is completely gated in and offers every type of water interaction imaginable!
Inside the sprayground, there are plenty of benches along the outside of the spray area and canopies that provide shade. It can be nice to sit back and relax while watching the kids have a blast!
One thing to note, while the sprayground is free it is not open for walkins. Visitors must make a reservation. Even though the water may be on, it doesn't mean the sprayground is staffed. Visit the reservation directions page for more information.
Learn more about the sprayground on the Monmouth County Park website.
Dorbrook Recreation Area has 2.3 miles of paved trails for walking, biking, and in-inline skating.
There are several fields and courts for sports. We saw basketball courts, tennis courts, soccer fields, baseball fields, and open grassy area.
In addition to those amenities, Dorbrook Recreation Area offers 2 pools.
Dorbrook Recreation Area features 540 acres which include the barrier-free Challenger Place Park playground, tennis courts, two swimming pools (for lessons only), a sprayground, an inline rink, basketball courts, open fields, and 2.3 miles of paved trail for walking, biking, and in-line skating.
A bicycle repair station with a tire pump and tools are near the basketball courts.
We provide these details about Dorbrook Recreation Area Playground as a service to our readers and the park. However, Jersey Family Fun is not directly involved with this park. To reserve Dorbrook Recreation Area for a birthday party or private event, please contact them directly by calling (732) 842-4000 ext. 1, emailing info@monmouthcountyparks.com, or visiting their website.
Visit Monmouth County parks and playgrounds to learn more about playgrounds near this one. Visit our series on New Jersey Playgrounds and Parks to learn more about the great playgrounds across our state.