Visitors take a carousel ride at Clemyjontri Park in McLean. Photo by Steve Hibbard.
The two-acre Clemyjontri Park playground in McLean is the perfect place to bring small children and boy oh boy, it was rocking on Saturday, May 4. The extraordinary facility attracts crowds from all over the metropolitan area and it’s where children of all abilities can play and have a blast.
In addition to a carousel, the facility with rubber surfacing has swings, slides and play equipment that’s fun to climb on. It features swings with high backs, arm rests and special safety features and there are lowered monkey bars for easy access. Instead of standard transfer platforms, there are ramps to the elevated play areas. And equipment is designed to be sensory rich so all children can participate. Pathways between equipment are wide and colorful, and the ground surfaces are non-slip – designed to provide a greater level of access for children.
A mini-track can be used to race, and playhouses and cubbies offer spaces for socializing while also allowing children seeking separate areas to play in smaller groups. Tent sails provide areas of shade and benches are located throughout. Just north of the playground is an asphalt trail that connects to site perimeter trails which will eventually encircle the park during future development.
A trackless train operates from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. on weekends. There’s a picnic pavilion and 81-space parking lot. The name “Clemyjontri” is derived from the donor’s four children: Carolyn (CL), Emily (EMY), John (Jon), and Petrina (Tri).
Clemyjontri Park is open from 7 a.m. to dusk. The address is 6317 Georgetown Pike, McLean. Call 703-388-2807.