Portage Park

Wilson Park is a large neighborhood park with a variety of athletic fields, a fieldhouse, a playground, and a water playground. The playground is located near the eastern edge of the park just north of the fieldhouse and is a gem. There is a small collection of equipment that looks like a firetruck. The bulk of the playground is a large, sprawling structure that spans an interesting 'valley' in the soft rubber surface. The larger structure is also accessible via a ramp and features modern elements. There is also a separate "water playground" near the more traditional dry playground. The non-play amenities are solid. There are interesting 'cement blocks' for seating and a drinking fountain near the playground. The nearby fieldhouse provides access to bathrooms (when open). All in all, this is a great playground.

Located on the western edge of Thuis Park, this playground features a few connected large play structures, a few standalone elements, and the standard set of swings. The play structures include a variety of slides and climbing elements with a 'ring tangle' traverse and a curving set of monkey bars. The standalone elements include a large metal climbing element and a 'two by two' see-saw. The play area is fenced from the street but not fully enclosed and opens into the grassy expanse of Thuis Park. There is a bench and a drinking fountain and the play surface is wood chips.

The playground at Portage Park has the play structures and amenities to make it a true destination. The fully enclosed area on the west side of Portage Park features two large play structures. One structure is designed for smaller children and features several slides, climbing features, and interactive panels. The other structure is even larger and is designed for older children by showcasing more challenging climbing features and larger slides. There are also several other standalone features including a semi-circular climbing net with suspended rings and a very large twisted net for climbing. There are also two large swing sets offering the standard park variety. The play surface is soft rubber. In one area the surface itself has been molded and large sculptural canoes are set in the surface in what is perhaps a nod to the name 'portage park' and the routes that Native Americans used in the area prior to white settlement. The playground is well shaded by many mature trees and a simple pavilion on the northside of the playground. There are also plenty of benches and picnic tables for seating. All in all, this is a great playground and a worthy destination.

Parsons Park - named for Lucy Ella Gonzales Parsons who was a labor organizer and anarchist - features an interesting playground and water spray feature. The playground itself is somewhat sprawling; there is a set of swings near the entrance; a large, accessible play structure in the back corner of the site with a large triple slide; a single mast rope climbing elements; and a few more climbing elements and interactive panels on the eastern side of the park. The water spray features area include a 'loch ness mister' that may drain into a small stream. However, the water spray features were not on when I visited on a hot June day so I'm not sure about this... The site is fully enclosed and gets a fair amount of shade from a large umbrella, trees, and neighboring building. The surface is a combination of sort rubber and concrete with lots of rocks as well. There are a few benches and three small 'game tables' with checkerboard tops. If the water from the spray feature does indeed flow into the river bed, this would be an interesting and unique park worth a visit to see. Without this interesting water spray feature, however, this park is a relatively standard neighborhood park.

Dunham Park is a large neighborhood park with several athletic fields, a fieldhouse, an accessible playground, and small water spray feature. The playground features a large accessible play structure for older children and a smaller structure for younger children. There is the standard Chicago Park set of swings and a small water spray feature. The location in a quiet residential neighborhood with large trees makes for a great setting. The play area is fenced from the street but not fully enclosed and the play surface is soft rubber. There are benches and a drinking fountain and the nearby fieldhouse provides access to bathrooms (when open). All in all, this is a great neighborhood park.

Dickinson Park is a small triangular park in a quiet residential neighborhood with a playground and water spray feature. The playground is a single large structure suitable for a range of ages (and accessible via a ramp!) with a variety of slides and climbing elements. There are the standard Chicago Park swings and a nice 'triple shower sprayer' water spray features. The play area is fenced from the street and features a lot of benches and a drinking fountain around the soft rubber play surface. This is a great neighborhood park.

The playground at Chopin Park is a great little playground. There are three areas at this site: one area with toddler swings and some small standalone elements, another area with belt seat swings and a large play structure, and finally a water spray area. The large play structure features a number of slides and climbing elements. The water spray feature seems somewhat dated - a single water sprayer surrounded by concrete - but the shade pavilions and benches offer some nice amenities. The main play surface is wood chips and there is a drinking fountain as well as access to the fieldhouse building. All in all, this is a great neighborhood playground and a worthwhile destination; highly recommend.