Clearing

Hale Park features a great playground. There is a single large structure with a variety of slides and climbing elements suitable for elementary school aged children (which is appropriate given that the site seems shared with the nearby Hale Elementary School). There is also a circle seat zip line and a few other standalone climbing and spinning elements. The non-play amenities and general setting are great. Hale Park is a large, open space with a modern fieldhouse. The playground has a play surface of wood chips and the nearby fieldhouse provides drinking fountains and access to bathrooms. All in all, this is a classic Chicago Park playground, an asset to the neighborhood, and a worthwhile destination. Hale Park also features a water spray area to the north of the playground; but this is separate from the main playground.

The playground at Lawler Park features a large net climbing structure, a moderate size play structure, swings, two water spray features, and lots of benches. The large standalone net climbing feature looks like a "web in a sphere" and has a few climbing panels and a large pole attached to the main structure. The other play structure is more traditional and features a lot of slides. There are the standard park district swings and a few standalone elements. The water spray features include a 'triple shower sprayer' and a 'loch ness mister' (my name for the small set of arches and tubes that mist water made to look like a water creature.) The play area is fenced and set back from the street but is not fully enclosed. The main play surface is soft rubber and there are lots of benches surrounding the play structures. The nearby fieldhouse provides bathroom access (when the building is open) and there is a drinking fountain nearby. There are some trees near the playground but overall this is a bright and sunny playground. All in all, this is a great playground; highly recommend.

Minuteman Park, situated on a somewhat awkward lot next to Midway airport, features a great little playground. The playground includes a collection of elements for older children, a small play structure for younger children, and a set of swings with the typical Chicago Park offering: toddler, adaptive, and belt seat. There is also a standalone 'triple top and bottom spinner' which is pretty neat. The playground is located in the southeast corner of the park and is fenced from the street but not fully enclosed. The play surface is soft rubber and there are both benches and picnic tables for seating.

Valley Forge Park features a new fieldhouse and a variety of athletic fields as well as a very modern and nice playground. The playground is located just west of the fieldhouse and features modern and somewhat non-traditional equipment. There is a tiny structure for younger children and the rest of the equipment is for climbing and exploring by older children. The play area is fenced from the street (but not fully enclosed) and opens into the rest of the park. There are a few benches for seating and the nearby fieldhouse provides access to bathrooms and drinking fountains (when open). The play surface is soft rubber. All in all, this is a great neighborhood playground.