Ping Tom Memorial Park - Playground
Ping Tom Park is one of the best parks in Chicago and the playground, while somewhat standard, does not disappoint. It contains two play structures and a number of small, standalone elements, as well as swings and seating. The smaller play structure is designed for younger children and is quite small and accessible. The larger structure is somewhat sprawling and including a variety of elements: monkey bars, climbing elements, slides, and more. No element is truly remarkable or unique but the entire play structure is above average. There are a few unique standalone elements and a standard set of swings.
The play area is entirely enclosed and the playground set near the middle of the park and is removed from cars and traffic. However, this park is near three (3!) active train lines including the CTA Orange Line, Metra and Amtrak trains (which cross the South Branch of the Chicago River on a bridge) and an active freight train line. So despite the distance from cars and traffic, this is playground has great views of trains and river traffic. The play area contains a number of benches and picnic tables and is shaded by several large trees making it a comfortable to sit and gather. The surface of the playground is soft rubber.
Outside the playground, this park has other amenities worth exploring as a family: a large pagoda near the river, two large murals on the 18th Street overpass, and a natural area on the north side of the park. All in all, this is a great playground in a great park; highly recommend.
Ping Tom Memorial Park - PlaygroundPing Tom Park is one of the best parks in Chicago and the playground, while somewhat standard, does not disappoint. It contains two play structures and a number of small, standalone elements, as well as swings and seating. The smaller play structure is designed for younger children and is quite small and accessible. The larger structure is somewhat sprawling and including a variety of elements: monkey bars, climbing elements, slides, and more. No element is truly remarkable or unique but the entire play structure is above average. There are a few unique standalone elements and a standard set of swings. The play area is entirely enclosed and the playground set near the middle of the park and is removed from cars and traffic. However, this park is near three (3!) active train lines including the CTA Orange Line, Metra and Amtrak trains (which cross the South Branch of the Chicago River on a bridge) and an active freight train line. So despite the distance from cars and traffic, this is playground has great views of trains and river traffic. The play area contains a number of benches and picnic tables and is shaded by several large trees making it a comfortable to sit and gather. The surface of the playground is soft rubber. Outside the playground, this park has other amenities worth exploring as a family: a large pagoda near the river, two large murals on the 18th Street overpass, and a natural area on the north side of the park. All in all, this is a great playground in a great park; highly recommend.
Sun Yat-Sen Park - PlaygroundSun Yat-Sen Park contains a wonderful little playground. There is a single large play structure with a variety of slides and climbing elements as well as a set of swings and a few standalone elements. Although the setting is next to the Stevenson Expressway (and the noise from the traffic can be loud), this little park has solid amenities and great trees. There are benches and tables near the western end as well as a drinking fountain. The play area itself is shaded in the afternoon and has a surface of wood chips. All in all, this is a great neighborhood playground.