West Loop

The playground at Union Park is a huge playground with a water spray feature and a range of other elements. There are several rope net climbing elements including a 'wooden plank bridge' and a huge multifaceted climbing structure. Interestingly, this site uses equipment made from at least two different playground manufacturers - though perhaps this is only interesting to someone who writes detailed reviews of playgrounds! There is a small, traditional structure with a few slides and climbing elements from the company "landscape structures." There is also a more post-modern looking play structure for older children from the "Kompan" company based in Europe. There is a small set of standard swings as well as a few standalone elements. The water spray feature are some water loops that provide a gentle mist of water. The play area is not fully enclosed but opens into the rest of Union Park and is fenced from the nearby streets. The play surface is soft rubber and there are a few benches and a drinking fountain. The fieldhouse and the pool are nearby and should provide access to bathrooms (when open). There are a number of trees in the area that should provide some shade - especially in the afternoon. All in all, this is a great playground and definitely a destination to visit.

This large playground is located on the east side of Skinner Park and and features a water spray feature, an area for younger children, a huge area for older children, and the normal variety of swings. The area designed for older children is particularly large and there are several mosaics and a large climbing animal (a dragon!) that make this playground stand out from others. There are benches and a few picnic tables in the fully enclosed play area and the play surface is soft rubber.

Officially known as "Park 551", this location is better known as "Fulton River Park" and features a nice, small playground on a terraced site. The playground features two play structures: a smaller one for younger children and a larger one for older children with a variety of slides and accessible by a ramp. There is also a small set of standard swings. The play area is fully enclosed and features a soft rubber surface. There are a few benches and a drinking fountain in the play area that is shaded by trees and neighboring buildings. This park is also near the Bloomer Chocolate Company (making it a great smelling park!) and near several active train lines (making it a great spot for kids that love trains!). All in all, a solid neighborhood park and playground.

The official Chicago Park website describes the playground like this: "The children's play area offers ADA accessibility that allows for inventive, non-linear play without traditional play equipment." Inventive, non-linear, and non-traditional are all great adjectives to describe this playground in the West Loop. The fully enclosed playground uses the rubber surface itself as a play element; there are steep inclines and valleys that invite play. Most of the elements are indeed non-traditional. While there are a few slides, there are no swings or monkey bars in this playground. Instead there is elaborate "jungle gym" structure made of belts of black rubber, a rope climbing structure, and a smaller structure for younger children. The play area is fully enclosed and there are several picnic tables that make this a comfortable playground in a new and beautifully landscaped park.