Oakland

The playground in Burnham Park near the 43rd Street Bridge is still under construction (as of 2023-03) but looks like it will be a wonderful playground. The new playground is just south of the 43rd Street Bridge just off the Lake Front path and the near the comfort station. The playground features a small set of swings, a rope net climbing structure, a small play structure for young children, a collection of elements for older children, and a good variety of musical instruments. The non-play elements are solid; the play surface is soft rubber, the play area seems like it will be fully enclosed, and there are plenty of benches. This site provides nice views of the city skyline and the nearby comfort station should provide access to bathrooms (when open). I'll plan on re-visiting this summer (and updating this review) because this looks like a great playground.

The playground in Ellis Park contains two play structures, some standalone elements, and a small water spray feature. The smaller play structure designed for younger children is actually quite large and features three slides and a variety of different climbing elements. The larger play structure is massive. It is fully accessible and includes a long ramp that snakes back and forth several times before reaching the highest platform. There are a number of slides and other climbing elements on this structure as well as a circular monkey bars. The standalone elements include a see-saw and the standard set of swings. The water spray feature is located nearby and is a simple four sprayer. The playground is accessible with soft rubber surface and barrier free access to the highest platform. There are a few benches in the play area and the new Arts and Recreation Building provides access to bathrooms.

Renovated in 2016, the playground at Holly Park features some interesting equipment, standard set of swings, a shade pavilion, and a water spray feature. There are two play structures in this park. The larger structure features poles with colorful, curving panels making for an interesting climbing structure. There is also a more traditional platforms and slides on this structure. The smaller structure includes similar climbing and traverse elements. There is also a set of swings with the standard varieties (toddler, adaptive, and belt seat). There is a water spray area with a simple triple overhead sprayer. The play area is fully enclosed with a grassy perimeter and the main play surface is wood chips. There is a drinking fountain, a picnic table, benches, and a simple shade pavilion to make this a comfortable park to spend a hot day.

This park - named Williams-Davis Park in honor of Hattie Kay Williams and Izora Davis - contains a wonderful playground at the western edge of the pedestrian footbridge over DuSable Lake Shore Drive. The main play structure is quite large and features a number of slides and climbing elements and interactive panels. It is also accessible via a ramp for those using wheelchairs or in strollers. There are also a number of interesting standalone features: a single mast net climbing structure, a somewhat abstract climbing structure, a spinning bowl, and a large see-saw. There is also a standard set of park district swings. In the same play area is a water spray feature with two water loops and some jets from the ground. The play area is fully enclosed and the play surface is soft rubber. There are a number of benches in the play area and a few picnic tables just outside the enclosed area. While there is a drinking fountain, there is not much shade for this playground and it remains bright and sunny most of the day. All in all, this is a wonderful playground; highly recommend.