I recall going to this park in the late 50's/early 60's. The one part I recall the most was Jonah's whale. The whale was "beached" at the lake and you step into it's mouth.
Yes, there were two playgrounds. One next to the children's hospital, for the children, with swings and see-saws. There was another, down the hill from there, near woods, but of course by 2009 it could have been hidden by trees, "edge". Back in the 1960's when I lived there it was out in the open, and fenced with a tall chain-link fence; no gate. It had see-saws, a swing set with three wooden-seated swings (one of which hit me in the head as a 5 year old and knocked me out!) and a slide. Near there were tennis courts used by the doctors, nurses, and families of employees who lived there. The apartment building closest to the courts was where we lived.
Larry, in case you check back, you are correct the brickwork is fabulous. I grew up ON the Sanitarium grounds, leaving there in 1964 when my father got another job. All the buildings were brick, and one part that I remember very well were the covered walkways between some of the residences' buildings. The arches were gorgeous. I have long wished that the place would be renovated.
This, indeed, was the power plant and laundry center. The power wasn't for electricity but for steam which is how all the buildings were heated, even the buildings where the workers (like my dad) lived with their families. Every week the laundry workers would come by with a huge rolling basket of fresh towels and sheets for us and we would give them our dirty ones. I lived in one of the apartment buildings right next to the power plant. My father began work at the hospital as a steam-fitter for this power plant.
Folks, really, I grew up there. It was a fully functioning TB hospital. You cannot get TB from breathing in the air. That is just plain silly. I'm sure; however, that you could get hurt trapsing around in abandon buildings, so be careful if you choose to go visit the place. I have many, many wonderful memories and will gladly share about them if anyone is interest.
For instance the star on the hill wasn't erect each Christmas it was always there, just not lit until the Christmas season. My father helped to build it. I was always proud when it was lit; I thought it was so beautiful!