The (Not-So) Fantastic Playgrounds of Spain: Setas Playground in Plaza de la Encarnación (Sevilla)

Metropol Parasol, or the "Setas" (mushrooms) of Sevilla are located in the Plaza de la Encarnación. There are two playgrounds under the Setas, but I would not recommend them, and this is why:

The Setas have several levels. In the basement there is an archaeology museum (dark, cool [in terms of AC, not super cool in terms of being interesting]). The ground floor is the neighborhood mercado de abastos (marketplace). On the middle floor (up 3 flights of stairs) is a large event space and playground area. And, you can take an elevator all the way up to the top of the Setas and walk around on top of the wooden Setas as they sway and creak ominously in the lightest of breezes.

Until about a year ago, the large empty space of the middle floor was popular with skateboarders because the stems of the Setas were perfect little mini ramps. It also attracted a bit of a preschool parkour crowd (don loco). The Ayuntamiento put an end to this activity by installing the most uncomfortable green wire benches along the bottom of the Seta stems. (Honestly it feels like sitting on chicken wire. Blech.)

The Ayuntamiento has also installed two playgrounds with one major MAJOR design flaw. Let me show you:

That short little fence is RIGHT NEXT to three story drop to the plaza below

That little fence that is not very tall is all that separates the playground from a sheer drop over the edge. GULP.  No, gracias. 

The other side of the Setas Playground with some climbing equipment

Logistics: If you are interested in checking out (or avoiding) the playgrounds of Seville's Setas are located right under the Setas. You can climb the steps, take the escalator, or take the loooong stroller ramp up. There also might be an elevator in one of the Seta stems.  Bathrooms are located in the marketplace underneath, although the last two times I was here, the bathrooms were padlocked shut.