Dedicated on April 15, 2021, Benson Automotive Kids Planet continues the City of Greer's dedication to providing recreational opportunities for all ages in a safe and pleasant environment.
The facility is situated on the site of the original Kids Planet and Kids Planet Too playgrounds, which were funded and constructed by the Greer community over 20 years ago. The state-of-the-art playgrounds with wooden play structures and picnic shelters swiftly became a beloved destination for families across the upstate.
As the original playground facility neared the end of its lifespan, the City of Greer initiated plans for a new, state-of-the-art playground catering to a new generation. The Parks and Recreation Department collaborated with Alta Cunningham Design to establish the foundation for the new Kids Planet. This process involved engaging local elementary school students to gather their input on playground themes and play structures. Subsequently, a community workshop was held to involve children and adults in the planning process.
The original Kids Planet closed after Labor Day in 2019. The site was completely cleared and prepared for a new beginning. New, safer plastic and Plexiglas play structures were installed, including zip lines, hillside slides, and age-appropriate play structures in two fenced areas. Paved walking trails surround the site, with exercise stations intermittently placed for health-conscious visitors. Additionally, a misting station and picnic shelters were included to keep visitors cool and refreshed. Greer businessman Jim Benson was a major donor to the project and the facility now bears his name.
Kids Planet is closed every Wednesday from 7:00 a.m. until Noon for maintenance.
Kids Planet is open from dawn to dusk. Greer Police will walk through at night to make sure the facility is vacant.
All children should be accompanied by an adult. Please supervise children as they play.
Equipment is designed for ages 2 to 12 years old. The safety rating of the equipment does not apply to children outside these ages.
All helmets, drawstrings or accessories must be removed prior to entering playground area.
No skates, bikes, hoverboards or scooters are allowed.
Warning: Play surfaces may become hot during warmer weather.
No pets are allowed inside Century Park or Kids Planet at any time.
No glass is allowed inside Century Park or Kids Planet.
Food or drink must be consumed outside the play areas.
Shoes are required.
Keep mulch in its place and off slides and decks.
Baseball cleats are not to be worn on the slides.
Please dispose of trash in proper receptacles.
There is no smoking inside inside Century Park or Kids Planet.
The Misters will run May-September.
Adults are responsible for setting a good example and for making sure all children obey these rules. Please leave Kids Planet cleaner than when you arrived.
Kids Planet is under Greer Police jurisdiction. If you see someone behaving in an unacceptable manner, do not hesitate to call Greer Police Dispatch at 911 (emergency) or 864-848-2151 (non-emergency, but action needed). Feedback on Kids Planet is always welcomed by the Greer Parks and Recreation Department at 864-848-2190.
Whether it is for a family gathering or a birthday party, a Kids Planet Shelter is the perfect location for your event.
Kids Planet Shelters may be rented in two-hour increments year-round. Please note that Kids Planet is closed every Wednesday from 7:00am-12:00pm for maintenance.
Rental fees for City of Greer Residents are $20 per small pavilion (with two tables to accommodate as many as 15 people) and $30 per large pavilion (with four wheelchair accessible tables to accommodate as many as 40 people).
Rental fees for Non-City of Greer Residents are $30 per small pavilion (with two tables to accommodate as many as 15 people) and $40 per large pavilion (with four wheelchair accessible tables to accommodate as many as 40 people).
To reserve a shelter at Kids Planet, please visit the following link: Kids Planet Reservations
If you are unable to access the above link or if you prefer to pay with cash or check, please visit us Monday through Friday from 8:00am-5:00pm at our Parks, Recreation & Tourism office located at:
446 Pennsylvania Avenue Greer, SC 29650.