Washington Market Park's New Ship Will Be Coming In by Carl Glassman Responding to complaints by some parents about the big red boat in Washington Market Park, the city's Parks Department is planning an airy, minimalist replacement for the solid metal bow as well as other changes to the play equipment. While the new piece will suggest the front of a boat, its openness answers complaints that the current structure prevents caregivers from watching their children inside. Some also believe that the shaded sand is unhealthy. And there are those who say the existing equipment is not appropriate for toddlers, its intended users. Changes also are planned for the remaining structure, including the addition of four toddler-friendly play panels: tic tac toe; a maze; chimes; and a ship's wheel. Two climbing chain ladders also will be added. Fraya Berg, president of the park's board of directors, said the sand will be replaced with a "high quality" variety similar to sand in the playground in Rockefeller Park. The original design featured the image of a mermaid at the head of the boat. But the anatomically correct silhouette did not set well with the Parks Department. "The commissioner [Adrian Benepe] did not feel it was age appropriate," said a Parks Department spokeswoman. There will be a sea serpent instead. The boat, installed only last year in the $1.5 million expansion and renovation of the park's play area, occupies one of three spaces in the playground and is intended for the youngest children who play in the park. No date had been set for installation.