Lincoln Square

Located in the southwest corner of Winnemac Park, this playground has lots of play structures and other amenities. There is a larger play structure for older children, a smaller play structure for younger children, and the standard set of swings. The play area is quite large and fully enclosed and uses a combination of soft rubber, concrete, and grass as the play surface. Mature trees on all sides provide spots of shade throughout the day and there are benches and picnic tables within the play area. In total, these features and amenities make this a wonderful and popular playground.

The playground at Welles Park is amazing. It features two traditional play structures as well as large rope/net climbing structure, a spinning conical net element, two large sets of swings, and a water spray feature. The two traditional play structures are next to each other; one is smaller and designed for younger children and the other is much larger and features more challenging climbing and overhead elements and steeper slides. The larger one is also accessible via a ramp off the soft rubber surface that covers this area of the playground. The large rope/net climbing structure is hard to describe but is massive and offers a variety of potential play actions. The two sets of swings contains the standard varieties of park district swings. The water spray feature isn't too intense and offers and gentle spray. The play area is fully enclosed and set off the nearby streets. The surface inside the area is a combination of soft rubber, woodchips, and cement though there is a grassy perimeter and the grassy expanses of the rest of Welles Park beyond. There are several benches and picnic tables within the playground space and the nearby park district building provides bathroom access when it is open. There are several large trees that provide some shade to different areas throughout the day. Given these amenities and it's location, this playground can be busy at times but is definitely a solid playground destination. [Aside: the newish Nature Play Area near the southwest corner of the park is also worth checking out!]

Vogle Park is a small, quiet, shady park with a great playground. There are two standalone elements - a climbing wall with voids and a spinning element - and a large play structure with a few slides and other climbing elements. Lastly, there is a set of the standard Chicago Park swings: toddler, adaptive, belt seat. The non-play features are playground classics - wood chips, wooden benches, and lots of shade - and the play area is fully enclosed. All in all, this is a great neighborhood playground.

This playground - one of two in River Park - is located off Francisco Ave on the east side of the North Shore Channel. This playground features a large swing set, a small structure for younger children, and a large structure for older children. The larger structure also includes a variety of overhead elements to challenge older climbers. The play area is somewhat shaded and partially enclosed and has a few benches. River Park itself is quite large with lots of grassy area, nature paths, and paved paths for biking and running. There is also a water feature located near this playground (just north of the nearby pool) that has a variety of spray elements. All together, this is a wonderful playground with lots of nearby options; highly recommend.

This playground - one of four in Legion Park - is the largest and features some interesting elements. There are two areas - one for younger children and one for older children - with age-appropriate equipment in each area. The area for younger children includes toddler swings, a small play structure, and a few standalone elements. The area for older children includes a much larger structure with several climbing elements and a large curved slide. There are also a few other traversing elements and some swings (belt seat and a large saucer swing) in this area. Like the other playgrounds in Legion Park, the play area opens directly into the park and isn't enclosed or fenced at all. There are a few benches and a drinking fountain nearby. The play area is quite large and the surface is wood chips.

A small neighborhood park that borders the Chicago River and the CTA Brown Line, this park contains a grassy hill and a large sand play area with a small bridge. The playground features a smaller area designed for younger children and another area with monkey bars and climbing elements designed for older children. There is plenty of morning shade and several benches and picnic tables at this park making this a comfortable spot to watch trains while you play.

To quote Shakespeare: "What’s in a name? That which we call a rose / By any other name would smell as sweet." I turn to the Bard to say that - despite this name Gross Park is not gross. In fact, it is quite nice. There is a single sprawling play structure that is accessible by ramp with elements for a range of children. There are also a few standalone elements - including a play dinosaur - and the same set of swings (toddler and belt seat only). The non-play amenities are great. Some large trees give shade throughout the day. Ample seating in the form of benches and picnic tables. A drinking fountain and a small fieldhouse which should provide access to a bathroom (when open). And a soft rubber play surface in a fully enclosed park. Lots of things make this a comfortable place to spend a morning; highly recommend.