Eli M. Schulman Playground at Seneca Park · Chicago Playgrounds

Alternative Name

Seneca Park - Playground

Description

The playground at Seneca Park, named Schulman Playground, is an amazing and unique playspace in Chicago. The current play structures were installed in May of 2021 and they reflect a modern and contemporary feel - coincidental with the location near the Museum of Contemporary Art.

The fully enclosed play area features soft rubber surface that is molded and sculpted to be an actual play element in places and uses colors to divide the space into two halves. The northern half is designed for younger children but does not feature any single play structure but instead embeds elements directly into the surface. Slides, bridges, and a variety of steps are set low to the ground making them accessible to most and open-ended. There is also a set of the traditional toddler swings in this area.

The other half of the play area features unique and custom play structures designed for older children. The structures appear to reflect nearby structures - a fire station and the John Hancock building - and are somewhat enclosed spaces with a variety of climbing elements and a large tube slide. The enclosed nature sometimes makes tracking your children difficult - especially in a busy playground - but makes for a wonderful experience of discovery and surprise. There are also some other climbing and traversing elements connected these structures. Finally, there is a standalone hammock style saucer swing and a trampoline element on this side of the play area.

The play area is fully enclosed and the main play surface is soft rubber. There are a few large stones designed to be used as benches throughout the space. Although shaded by neighboring skyscrapers, the play area itself isn't shaded by trees and can be bright and sunny. This is a great playground and definitely a destination.

Playground Features

Surface: Poured in Place Rubber

Mostly Enclosed Play Area

Bench or Benches

Drinking Fountains

Playground Equipment

Rope Net Ladder