Garfield Ridge

Renovated in 2015, the playground at LeClaire-Hearst Park is divided into three separate areas: an area for younger children, an area for older children, and a small water spray area. The area for younger children features a small play structure with a slide and several climbing elements as well as toddler swings. The area for older children is more sparse and features some climbing elements and a slide as well as belt seat swings and a small zipline. The water spray feature is set in the middle and consists of a single water spraying pole. The play area is fenced from the street but is not fully enclosed. Low perimeter walls provide some informal seating but the site would be improved by adding benches and picnic tables. The play area is bright and sunny (though there are many trees and shady spots nearby) and the play surface is wood chips. The nearby fieldhouse provides access to bathrooms (when open).

In the southwest corner of Normandy Park, there is a solid neighborhood playground. There are two play structures with a variety of elements as well as a set of swings. Other important details: the play area is fenced from the street but not fully enclosed, the surface is soft rubber, and the playground gets some shade throughout the day. There are benches and a drinking fountain and the nearby fieldhouse provides access to bathrooms (when open). All in all, this is a good neighborhood park.

The playground at Stars & Stripes Park is a wonderful playground tucked in a quiet park. It features a large rope climbing structure, a play structure with a variety of slides and climbing elements, the standard set of swings, and a small water feature. The playground is on the western side of the park and is quiet and features views of the nearby train line. There are benches and a little shade but the play area is bright and sunny. The play surface is soft rubber and the water feature and the play structure are both somewhat accessible to people using wheelchairs. The playground opens to the rest of the park but is fully enclosed from the street. All in all, this is a standard Chicago Park playground in the best sense of the phrase and is worth checking out.

Vittum Park is a large neighborhood park with many different athletic fields, a playground, and a water spray feature. The playground was renovated in 2015 and features two play structures - a smaller one for younger children and a larger one for older children - as well as a set of standard Chicago Park swings. The water spray feature is a 'loch ness mister' and an overhead spray element. All the equipment is very nice and well-maintained. The setting and non-play elements are very solid. There are large, mature trees surrounding the site and a few benches and picnic tables for seating. The nearby fieldhouse provides access to bathrooms (when open). The play area is fenced from the street but not enclosed and opens directly into the rest of the spacious park. All in all, this is a great park and playground; highly recommend.

Located in the middle of Wentworth Park, on the east side, is a great playground and water spray feature. The playground includes two structures - a moderate sized structure for younger children and a large, sprawling structure for older children. The larger structure features a variety of climbing elements and slides and is partially accessible via a ramp. There is a set of swings with the standard options (toddler, adaptive, and belt seat) as well as a 'triple shower' water spray feature. The playground is fenced from the street and the rest of the park but is not fully enclosed. There are benches and a drinking fountain near the play area with the nearby fieldhouse providing access to bathrooms (when open). The play surface is soft rubber and although there are trees near the playground, the playground itself is bright and sunny. All in all this is a great playground; highly recommend.