South Shore

The playground at Arthur Ashe Beach Park is located right on the shores of Lake Michigan and features some solid playground equipment. There is a small structure for younger children, a separate structure for older children, and the standard set of swings. The structure for older children is much larger and somewhat accessible by those using a wheelchair; the main play surface is also accessible soft rubber. There are a few benches nearby that provide views of both the playground and Lake Michigan.

Small Chestnut Park is a neighborhood park with a neighborhood playground featuring two play structures and few other elements. The smaller play structure is designed for younger children and has a few small slides, low to the ground monkey bars, and other climbing elements. The other structure is much larger and includes more challenging climbing and overhead elements as well as larger slides. This park has a solid offering of swings (toddler, molded bucket, belt seat, and hammock style saucer swings). The play area has a surface of wood chips and is bright and sunny throughout the day. There are a few benches near the play area and a drinking fountain.

Renovated in 2015, the playground at the Essex Park contains a modern play structure some some standard equipment (slides, climbing structures, monkey bars) as well as some more interesting equipment (an overhead slider and a 'top and bottom' spinner). There is also a standard set of swings nearby. The play area is fenced but not fully enclosed and the play surface is soft rubber. There are benches and a drinking fountain but not much shade.

This small park features a playground with a single large play structure and a few standalone elements. The play structure features a few slides, a climbing net, monkey bars, and other elements. The standalone elements include a large climbing wall, a large spinning saucer, and the standard set of swings. The park itself is the green space around a Chicago Water Department pumping station and the site is covered with large, mature trees. The play surface is wood chips and the play area somewhat shaded and fully enclosed.

The playgrounds at Rainbow Beach are located toward the northwest corner of the park and are two fully enclosed play area next to each other. They both feature unique net/rope climbing structures and a variety of swings: toddler, belt seat, and hammock saucer swings. The play surface of both is wood chips and though there aren't benches in the immediate area the low perimeter walls offer some informal seating. Situated away from traffic and with great views of Lake Michigan, these somewhat small playgrounds are gems and are worth the trip.

Located in the northwest corner of Rosenblum Park, this playground features a huge rope/net climbing element, a large and accessible play structure with a variety of components, a standard set of swings, and a water spray feature. The play area is not enclosed but it is fenced from the street. The play surface is soft rubber and there are benches dotting the perimeter of the play area.

The playground at Woodhull Park is located in the northeast corner of the park and features two play structures and a small water feature. The smaller structure is designed for younger children and includes a few slides and climbing elements. The larger structure also includes slides as well as a variety of climbing elements with monkey bars and other traversing elements attached. Most platforms of this structure are also accessible via a ramp and the main surface is soft rubber making this play structure somewhat accessible. The water spray feature nearby is small and features a single bent pole water sprayer. The area is fenced from the street but not fully enclosed. There are a few benches and trees for seating and shade.