South Chicago

Located on the eastern edge of Bessemer Park, this playground boasts two big play areas, plenty of shade, and a nice water feature. The smaller area is designed for younger children and features a solid play structure and a few standalone elements as well as a variety of swings. The larger area is actually huge and features a large play structure for older children with lots of rope/net features for climbing and traversing. There is also a small water spray feature just to the south of the playground. The play areas are not enclosed but they are fenced from the street and set back a bit. The area is shaded by large trees and there are a few benches for seating. The play surface in both areas is wood chips. There is a fieldhouse building just to the north providing bathroom access. All in all, this is a great playground.

The playground at Eckersall Park is located on the east side of the park and features a large play structure and several standalone elements. The play structure is somewhat large with a structure providing some shade above. There are a variety of elements including slides, net triangles for climbing, and a set of monkey bars. The standalone elements include a large metal traverse and a zip line with a circle seat. There is also the standard variety of Chicago Park District swings. The play area is fenced but not fully enclosed. There are a few trees and benches providing shade and seating and the play surface is wood chips.

The playground in Russell Square Park is a gem. There are two separate areas - one for younger children and one for older - and both have large structures with interesting elements. In fact both have an abundance of slides - there is a total of (at least) seven slides between both structures. The area for older children also has a number of monkey bars and challenging climbing elements. The large structure also includes a ramp from the soft rubber surface so it is somewhat accessible to those using wheelchairs or strollers. The site is also nice - slightly set back from the street with some good shade trees overlooking the large grassy expanse of Russell Square Park. There are also benches for seating and access to bathrooms when the fieldhouse is open. All in all, this is a great playground.

The small playground at Dinah Washington Park features two play structures and a standard set of swings. The play structures - one for older children and one for younger - both feature slides, climbing elements, and traversing elements. The swings are the standard park variety: toddler, belt seat, and molded plastic. The park has a bench, a drinking fountain, and a few large trees for shade. The play area is not fully enclosed but it is fenced from the street and the play surface is wood chips.