The playground in Gage Park - located near the south edge of the park - is a large and heavily shaded playground with some solid elements. There is a small structure for younger children and a much larger structure for older children with a variety of slides. that is accessible via a ramp. There is a small set of swings with the usual Chicago Park varieties but - interestingly - no monkey bars of any kind. The play area is enclosed and heavily shaded by large trees. The play surface is soft rubber and there are benches scattered around the perimeter of the playground which is both set back from the street and fully enclosed. All in all, this is a solid neighborhood playground.
This tiny park, named Edmonds Park in honor of Molly Edmonds who was a long time neighbor and informal caretaker of this park, features a nice playground with a large play structure for older children and a smaller structure for younger children. There are also a few standalone elements like a spinning saucer and two tire swings. The play surface is wood chips and the mostly enclosed play area has a few benches and a drinking fountain. A notable feature of this park is the large, mature trees that provide shade throughout the day.
The small playground in Drexel Park features a variety of swings, a large play structure designed for older children, a couple variations on standard monkey bars. There area also a few standalone elements including a variety of drums and the standard set of swings. The play area is mostly enclosed and though there aren't benches, the low ledge around the perimeter of the play area provides some seating.
Davis Square Park, a historic park that opened in 1905 to provide social services to the neighborhood, is still open and is still providing services and amenities to the neighborhood. The playground area features a play structure and an assortment of playground equipment for climbing and traversing. Rounding out the equipment, there is a small set of swings as well as a large "four sprayer" water spray feature. There are some of the classic playground features - benches for seating, a drinking fountain, a play surface of wood chips - without any additional frills or comforts. The playground is situated near the southeast corner of the park and just south of the fieldhouse that provide bathroom access (when open). All in all, this is a normal neighborhood playground in a large and historic park.
The playground of Cornell Square Park is located on the eastern side of the park. Renovated in 2014, the playground features modern climbing elements made of ropes and netting and a small play structure that features a slide. The play surface is soft rubber and is treated as a play element with a large valley on one side and a small "tunnel" that runs under the play structure. There is also a water spray feature and the standard set of swings. The play area is not fully enclosed but it is fenced from the street. There are few benches and a drinking fountain near this sunny and modern playground.
The playground in Kujawa Park was renovated in 2015 and features a large play structure, small water spray feature, and plenty of benches. The play structure is large structure with the standard slides and monkey bars as well as some climbing/traversing elements. There is a small set of swings (toddler, adaptive with harness, and belt seat) and a standalone climbing structure. There is also a unique wooden fence built The water spray feature is a small 'four sprayer.'
The park itself has great tree coverage (especially on the south end) with plenty of benches. A small plaque notes this is a "community reading garden" and that seems an appropriate description for that space. The play area is fenced from the street but not fully enclosed and the main play surface is wood chips.
From 1971 until 2021, this site was known as Catalpa Park. The City renamed the park to honor Chester Frank Kujawa who was a WW2 veteran who resided in the Archer Heights area before his death in 2016.
The playground in Carpenter Park features a large play structure with a few slides and climbing features, the standard set of swings, and a zipline with circular seat. The play surface is wood chips and there are a few benches around the perimeter of the park.
Brighton Park features a nice playground that gets the basics right. There are two play structure, one smaller and one larger, swings and a few standalone elements. Nothing fancy or novel - just a standard playground in the best sense of the term. The playground gets some good shade from nearby trees and has a few benches around the soft rubber surfaced playground. Play area is fenced from the street but not fully enclosed. All in all, a decent neighborhood playground.
Back of the Yards Park features a sprawling set of playground equipment as well as a small water spray feature. The playground is a basic and classic Chicago Park playground with wood chips and a few scattered park benches.
The playground in Archer Park is a wonderful little playground. Set on the eastern side of the park, this site contains two structures and a large set of swings. There is also a nice water spray feature closer to the fieldhouse. The play area is removed from traffic and includes benches, picnic tables, and a drinking fountain. The surface is soft rubber and the equipment is modern and well maintained. Highly recommend.
