Beverly

This small playground features equipment, renovated in 2014, features some interesting elements and some intriguing arrangements of standard elements. Some of the interesting elements include a large metal structures that can be traversed and a metal, spherical globe that appear to be a throwback to earlier eras of playground design. The slide arrangements at this part are also intriguing; standard, single slides are arranges so that they curve under each other or diverge sharply. These unique elements are situated in a standard play area covered with wood chips featuring an area for younger children, an area for older children, and swings.

Located in the northwest corner of Beverly Park, this playground - named the Maeve McNicholas Playlot - features a variety of interesting climbing elements and a small water spray feature. This isn't a traditional playground with a single, large play structure (or even monkey bars or a standard ladder!) but is rather a collection of elements with lots of rope/net climbing options. The most traditional structure has a few slides but all the climbing elements are rope net tunnels and bridges. There is also a huge, multifaceted net climbing element with a large curving slide sure to challenge advanced climbers. There is also a set of rope/net traversing elements and a standalone spinning conical net climber. The one standard element are the swings; they are the standard toddler and belt seat swings along with a hammock-style saucer swing. The water spray feature is a 'misting whale tail' which provides a gentle spray. The playground has solid amenities for families as well. There are benches and picnic tables near the play area as well as trees for some shade. The play area is not fully enclosed but is fenced from the street and opens into the rest of the park. The surface is artificial turf - a relative rarity for Chicago Parks! All in all, this is a wonderful and interesting playground; highly recommend.

This playground is set in the moderate sized Maggie Cosme Park on a quiet street in Beverly. The play structures are moderate in size and offer a variety of swings, slides, and climbing structures. Although there are trees in the park, the playground is bright and sunny. There are a few benches for seating and the playground overlooks the Metra station.

Graver Park features a nice playground, water spray area, and picnic area in a quiet setting. The playground - named the Barbara Vick playground - includes a moderate sized play structure with a variety of slides and climbing elements, two set of swings (toddler, adaptive, and belt seat), and a few standalone elements. The main play surface is wood chips and there is a sand box. A short distance away is a large water spray area with a variety of water elements and - next to that - is an area with several picnic tables. There is also a fieldhouse that should provide access to bathrooms (when open). Both the playground and water spray area are fully enclosed. Additional seating and shade would improve this site, but it is still a great play area; highly recommend.

The playground at Hurley Park is a modern and clean playground featuring an area for young children, an area for older children, and the standard variety of swings. The surface is soft rubber and there are several benches as well as a natural area on the west side of park marked as a "bird and butterfly" sanctuary with large trees.

The playground at Munroe Park features a small structure for younger children, a larger collection of elements for older children , the standard set of Chicago Park swings, and a small water spray feature. The collection of elements for older children features a rope net climbing element, geometric climbing walls, and other metal climbing elements. The play surface is soft rubber and there are a few benches and a drinking fountain in the area. The play area opens to the rest of the park but is fenced and fully enclosed from the street. Some trees to the south provide some shade and the park fieldhouse provides access to bathrooms (when open). All in all, this is a good neighborhood playground.

This small, neighborhood playground is in the northwest corner of Ridge Park and was renovated in 2013 with modern playground equipment including a variety of monkey bars, slides, and the standard mix of swings. This playground also has a small train play area and overlooks the Metra tracks so might be good for a child interested in trains. The surface is wood chips and there are a few benches around the perimeter.