A playground at Lower Shawsheen Field, entered from York Street with parking off Balmoral Street, rebuilt with ADA-compliant poured-in-place rubber surfacing, accessible gates and basket swings. It's aimed mainly at 5-to-12-year-olds, with a few swing and spinner elements for younger kids.
What to expect
Ages
Primarily 5 to 12, with a few elements (swings, spinner, see-saw) usable by younger kids
Surface
Poured-in-place rubber surfacing (ADA compliant) with some engineered wood fiber mulch and accessible pathways
Splash pad
No splash pad here; the town's planning notes say a splash pad fits better at one of Andover's larger playgrounds
Entry fee
You don't need a pass for this spot; Andover charges no parking sticker or permit to visit its conservation areas and town parks; Pomps Pond beach is the paid-pass exception. checked Jul 24, 2026
Dogs
Andover requires any dog off its owner's premises to be held on a leash no longer than six feet and under a person's control. Posted signs at the site take precedence.
Hours
Andover conservation land is open to the public without a permit from sunrise to sunset. That's the town default unless posted otherwise.
Accessibility
ADA-compliant pathways, accessible gates and accessible play equipment including basket swings
Managed by
Andover Parks, Grounds and Forestry
WebsiteCommon questions
It's built mainly for 5-to-12-year-olds, though a few elements like the swings and spinner work for younger kids too.
Accessible/inclusive equipment?
Yes: ADA pathways, accessible gates, and basket swings.
Is Lower Shawsheen Playground fully fenced?
Yes. Good for toddlers who bolt.
What ages is Lower Shawsheen Playground best for?
Primarily 5 to 12, with a few elements (swings, spinner, see-saw) usable by younger kids
What's the surface at Lower Shawsheen Playground?
Poured-in-place rubber surfacing (ADA compliant) with some engineered wood fiber mulch and accessible pathways Poured-rubber and mats stay cooler and are easier for wheels than sand or mulch.
Does Lower Shawsheen Playground have a splash pad, and when does it run?
No splash pad here; the town's planning notes say a splash pad fits better at one of Andover's larger playgrounds
Is there an entry fee at Lower Shawsheen Playground?
You don't need a pass for this spot; Andover charges no parking sticker or permit to visit its conservation areas and town parks; Pomps Pond beach is the paid-pass exception.
Can I bring my dog to Lower Shawsheen Playground?
Andover requires any dog off its owner's premises to be held on a leash no longer than six feet and under a person's control. Posted signs at the site take precedence.
Is Lower Shawsheen Playground wheelchair accessible?
ADA-compliant pathways, accessible gates and accessible play equipment including basket swings