South Deering

The playground at Bradley Park isn't glamorous or particularly unique, but is a standard and traditional neighborhood playground. There is one large play structure with a variety of slides and climbing elements. There is a standard set of Chicago Park swings (toddler, adaptive, and belt seat) as well as a see-saw and spinning saucer. The play area is fenced from the street but not fully enclosed and there are a few tables and the low perimeter wall for seating around the wood chip covered play area. Ground breaking? No. Satisfactory? Yes.

Luella Park features a decent playground right in the middle of the park. With a small structure and a much larger structure (accessible by a ramp), there is a variety of elements for a range of kids. There are a few benches, a drinking fountain, and a some shade trees for additional comfort. The play area opens directly into the park and the play surface is soft rubber.

Off the nearby streets, the playground in Merrill Park offers some of the standard Chicago Park playground options. There is a large play structure with a variety of slides, climbing elements, and monkey bars. There is a standard set of Chicago Park swings. There is a simple water spray feature. Surrounding by grass, this playground is not enclosed nor does it have seating nearby. The play surface is wood chips and, despite many trees in the park, the play area itself is bright and sunny.

Pine Park is a small park with a good playground. Most of the standard elements are available here: slides, monkey bars, and swings without too many frills or extras. There are benches and a drinking fountain and the play area itself is somewhat shaded and fully enclosed. The play surface is wood chips.

Shade and slides. These two words describe the playground in Trumbull Park. There are other features as well - monkey bars, rope/net climbing elements, swings - but the number and variety of slides as well as the quality of shade provided by the large mature trees are the defining factors of this playground. There is also a water spray feature directly north of the playground (and a pool in the same park!). The playground is on the east side of the park next to the fieldhouse (which provides access to bathrooms when open). The play surface is wood chips and there are a few benches for seating around the playground.

Veterans' Memorial Park has a small playground on the southern edge of the park as well as a water spray feature and set of swings. The main play structure is somewhat dated - the current equipment has been in place since at least 2011 - but is overall still functional with a variety of slides, climbing elements, and interactive panels. This playground is also somewhat accessible to wheelchair users with a ramp to the main structure and a soft rubber surface. The small set of swings is standard (toddler, adaptive, and belt seat) and the water spray feature is also a standard 'triple sprayer.' There are benches around the perimeter of the play area as well as a small park building with access to bathrooms and drinking fountains (when open). Although the equipment is dated, this is still a decent playground.