Buffinton Park

While Buffinton Park appears to be a peaceful neighborhood space, there are so many discouraging rules here that make it almost not worth visiting at all.
First, no pets allowed! What, how?! During my visit, my husband and I were literally the only people in the park, and we can’t bring our well-​behaved, leashed dog to sniff around? Not OK.
Second, there are so many signs posted throughout the park with the most ridiculous rules. I am guessing that at some point in the past this may have been considered a sketchy park (there are several large boulders covered in graffiti), but why make the rest of the community suffer because due to the childish acts of a few unruly adolescents? For example, there is «no congregating» allowed. This is so freaking vague and unnecessary. You mean I can’t meet up with a few adult friends to hang out here or play a game of pick-​up football? And I can’t bring my [future] child here to meet other moms and kids for a play-​date or picnic? With this kind of signage, what point is there to having a public park at all? The signs also state there is «no loitering in or near autos.» I mean, I kind of get it. The intent is probably to discourage backseat teen make-​out sessions, but does this also mean that if I drive my car to the park I’m not allowed to park it anywhere near where I’m going to be sitting? Again, vague and a bit nonsensical.
Finally, the children’s playground equipment here is dated and rusty. This is not really a problem on its own, but coupled with the park’s other restrictions, I’m surprised there isn’t a sign stating that visitors must keep off the playground entirely.
In all, Buffinton Park is a little hidden spot in a quiet neighborhood where even the most law-​abiding citizens will have a hard time figuring out what is allowed here and what is not. And since the park is not open after dark, make sure you stay far away after sunset and before sunrise, or your risk of being arrested increases exponentially. I’m not inclined to return.

Dogs
trees
and
love
Buffinton Park is a quiet little park on land that was donated to the town in honor of Thomas Buffington. A bit confusing to find because some on some maps the street and park are spelled Buffington and on others it is just Buffinton.
Not a whole lot in the park, some swings and playground stuff and a few walking paths. Seems it’s a popular place with dog walkers because we saw a whole lot of different canines while exploring the place.
The park does have some pleasant old trees and a few huge glacier boulders. Unfortunately stupid graffiti is present in a few places around the park. None of it really offensive, just some local knuckleheads declaring their unending love for some girls, although I tend to doubt that spray painting your name on a boulder or wall really impresses many girls.
The paths are nice and go off into the woods a bit but it’s not large enough for a real hike. Just a pleasant little park for some quiet, see some nice dogs or read about the love life of a local kids.