Swift River School, Belchertown, MA

This playground combines an older play structure (pictured above) with a brand new one (about two years old). A fenced in sandbox/toddler play area is provided. A large swingset and tire swing, many advanced climbing structures for older children. The parking is right next to the play area, so you could sit in your car and read, or clean out your car, while still keeping your children in sight. This I like! There are only two trees, and they are rather spindly. They do offer shade - but the real estate is limited! One picnic table is provided. There are no restrooms, and you may only visit OFF school hours. Otherwise, it is a liability for the school for your kids to play there and they will ask you to leave. There are NO restrooms, but if you have young boys you can send them down to the fence in the back. I am still trying to figure out the age limit for this convenient behavior. Since I'm still figuring it out, I suppose my oldest has not reached it yet - he will be 5 in July 09.

Cold Springs School, Belchertown, MA

This is a brand new state of the art playground. It's located behind the school, relatively far from the parking area, so you can't just hop back to your car. Parking is nice and shady. There are also a few shade trees in the school yard. There are no restrooms.
OFF school hours only - it's a liability for the school for your kids to play there during school hours so you'll be asked to leave.

Fort River Playground, Amherst, MA

This is a three-for-one deal. A toddler area, a brand new (2 years) play structure, and an "older kids" section which resembles a classic jungle gym with more advanced climbing play.
There are restrooms. I've never been in, but my husband says they are ok.
Parking is free.
You may only visit this playground OFF school hours/in the summer. It's a liability for a public school to have your kids playing on the property during school hours, so you will most likely be asked to leave.
There are some shade trees close to the building, and a few shady spots in the parking lot, but especially at the main kids playground, it will be quite sunny.

The school is located at the corner of South East St. and Main St. in Amherst.

Plains School Playground, South Hadley, MA

Since it's right on 202, we often use this playground to break up a car ride/shopping trip. You may only visit outside of school hours, otherwise it's in use. There are three separate play areas, we usually hang out in the first one. It has a new climbing structure and a great slide. Nice swings, a sandbox, even a zipline make it fun. There are several large picnic tables to sit at, and a big shady tree. There are no restrooms. Parking is free.