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Cool Off With Chelsea's Best Sprinklers and Fountains

By Mathew Katz | July 15, 2013 8:20am
  Public sprinklers are a great way to beat the heat and escape the busy neighborhood.
Top Sprinklers in Chelsea and Hell's Kitchen
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CHELSEA — Children looking for somewhere to cool off in Chelsea and Hell's Kitchen have few options. 

Despite having the huge Hudson River Park on its west side — not to mention the High Line — the area is hard up for spaces where kids can splash around in icy fountains.

That said, here are some sprinklers where kids can beat the summer heat:

Chelsea Waterside Park — West 23rd Street and 11th Avenue

As the name suggests, this park is all about the water. Along with a wading area, this park has three lumpy blue fountains that spray up, sideways and all around. 

The park also has a playground and dog run, so there's more to do that just play around in the sprinklers. Since it's right on the West Side Highway, it can be a bit noisy, but the tradeoff is spectacular views of the Hudson River for parents as their kids play. 

Fulton Houses Playgrounds — West 17th Street and Ninth Avenue

The kids' play areas at the Fulton Houses are open to the public — not just residents — and they are frequently enjoyed by local families from nearby apartment buildings, not to mention kids from several schools in the area.

"It's a place my son loves," said Nina Fernandez, 23, as her 5-year-old played in the water.

Fernandez said she and her friends come to the sprinklers daily when it gets hot outside.

There's a total of four sprinklers — two upright fountains on the north side of West 17th Street and two mist-makers on the south side. Both are great ways to cool off in the oppressive New York summer heat.

Pier 84 Fountain — West 43rd Street and 12th Avenue

After being closed for nearly two years, this ground-based spiral sprinkler is set to reopen later this summer after nearly $500,000 in renovations.

Just steps from the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, this spot is typically swarming with tourists, but it can still be a great place for kids to play. Some nearby pierside restaurants have patios, so there's also a great place to get some grub while keeping your children in sight.

Clement Clarke Moore Park — West 22nd Street and 10th Avenue

Named after poet Clement Clarke Moore, this aging park has a single small sprinkler area surrounded by shady trees. It's heavily used by locals who don't want to make the trek to Chelsea Waterside Park, so the fountain can get crowded, but the shade and seclusion makes it a great place to stay chill on even the hottest New York day.