Verlo Playfield

History and Background

Tucked away in Tacoma, Washington, you can find Verlo Playfield - a cozy 5.6-acre neighborhood park popular with local residents.

Interestingly, this wasn't always its name. Until March 31, 2014, locals knew it as McKinley Playfield. The Board of Park Commissioners decided on the rename to avoid confusion with nearby McKinley Park and to pay tribute to Ben and Reba Verlo, a couple who poured their hearts into children's programs in the area. Ben had a philosophy that stuck: "If filled with more Parks you'll need less prisons" - a simple yet profound belief in how green spaces can transform communities.

Recreational Amenities

Verlo has several recreational options. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy the basketball court and tennis court for some friendly competition or solo practice.

The large open field is meant for those impromptu frisbee games, letting your dog burn off some energy, or just throwing a ball around. We've noticed families often claim sections of this field for special occasions - some even bringing bouncy houses for birthday celebrations, which always adds a festive vibe to the park.

Playground Area

The playground area is designed for kids between 4-12 years old. The playground area features wood fiber surfacing with convenient walkways and a plaza surrounding it. You'll find elevated play structures, swings, slides, and those spinning toys that kids never seem to get dizzy on (how do they do that?).

While the equipment does have a transfer system, keep in mind that adaptive play options are somewhat limited. The playground sits conveniently close to the water features, making it easier to keep an eye on children exploring both areas.

Water Features

A notable feature at Verlo is the sprayground (splash pad). This zero-depth water play area becomes the place to be during those hot summer days. Kids particularly love the water cannons that shoot impressive streams of water, operating in refreshing intervals when temperatures climb.

On hot days, this splash pad is particularly popular. Not surprisingly, it's usually the busiest part of the park during summer months, filled with laughter and the pitter-patter of wet feet.

Facilities and Accessibility

Getting to and enjoying Verlo is relatively hassle-free. You can find parking either along the street perimeter or in the small off-street lot. Restroom facilities are conveniently located near the play area, though note that they might be closed during winter.

There are benches surrounding the water plaza where you can take a breather while watching the kids play. Near the restrooms, you can find a small covered area that offers some shelter from unexpected weather - just be aware that it can't be reserved and tends to be claimed early for family gatherings, especially on weekends.

Picnic Areas

What's a park day without some food? Verlo's picnic areas let you enjoy meals in the fresh air, but tables can be hard to snag during busy times, particularly summer weekends.

Many people bring their portable BBQs for proper cookouts during special occasions. Over the years, this park has evolved into a favorite spot for community celebrations - from family reunions to birthday parties - particularly when the weather warms up.

Maintenance and Atmosphere

For the most part, Verlo stays well-maintained with clean facilities, but the restrooms can occasionally show signs of heavy use during peak times. The overall vibe here is open and family-friendly, making it a genuine neighborhood haven.

If you're planning a visit, just know that summer afternoons can get quite busy when the splash pad becomes the neighborhood's collective backyard pool. But even with the crowds, there's something wonderfully communal about seeing families from all around coming together to cool off and enjoy a simple day at the park.