Take the Kids: Check out Raleigh's newest playground at Mary Belle Pate Park

As I wrote earlier this year, Raleigh is scheduled to open up five new and updated play spaces this year. And, on that list was a new playground planned for Sierra Drive Park in southwest Raleigh.

That park opened in May and is now called Mary Belle Pate Park after a longtime southwest Raleigh neighborhood advocate who was key in making the park a reality, according to the city's website.

At 2.42 acres, this park isn't massive, but it has all the ingredients for a perfect morning or afternoon out with kids. There's a large picnic shelter with bathrooms, a basketball court, open lawn areas which are perfect for games of tag and catch and a fantastic playground, which we'll take a closer look at now.

The playground has two main play pieces - one for older kids, ages 5 to 12 or so, and one for toddlers and preschoolers. Both pieces include slides (including some really fast ones for the older kids); different ways to climb or toddle, depending on the age of the child; and some thoughtful shades over each.

What impressed me with the play pieces here are all of the opportunities for climbing, especially on the piece for older kids. This isn't a standard playset with monkey bars. Instead, kids are encouraged to navigate across ropes and nets.

There's also a central column that kids can use to maneuver around the play piece or even climb up inside.

The compact park has some nice sidewalks for trikes and scooters. And, on the basketball court, you'll also find a four square court and a colorful hopscotch pattern.

The parking lot isn't huge at this city park (it's considered a neighborhood park), but there's plenty of on-street parking. Mary Belle Pate Park is at 2640 Sierra Dr., Raleigh.

Go Ask Mom’s Take the Kids series is your No. 1 resource for weekly ideas about kid-focused places to take your family in the Triangle and beyond. New articles are published every Friday.