tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77272008410846768822024-03-14T03:29:00.460-05:00Playground Fun!These are pictures and information for some of our favorite parks and playgrounds in the Northwest Suburbs like Hoffman Estates, Elgin, Streamwood and Barrington. Hope to help you find a new place to exhaust your kids and enjoy gorgeous weather!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7727200841084676882.post-15780892439397709312011-07-08T14:33:00.000-05:002011-07-08T14:33:09.937-05:00Northside Park, Wheaton<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Northside Park, Wheaton</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Main entrance located at north end of West St., secondary parking at intersection of Darling St. and Armbrust Ave.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.wheatonparkdistrict.com/pgs/parks/001ParkSites/northside_park.html">http://www.wheatonparkdistrict.com/pgs/parks/001ParkSites/northside_park.html</a> </span> </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Information and photos for this park comes from Natalie - thanks so much! It looks like it is worth the drive to Wheaton... aside from the bathroom situation!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here are Natalie's comments about this park:</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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</style><span style="font-size: 12pt;">"The area we visited was Rotary Creative Playground. Several sections to accommodate different age groups, rubber mulch, zip line, covered picnic area, water fountain, pretty big slide, large trees, plenty of parking, pond with walking trails. The bad thing is no bathroom, well there was a portable potty, however as described by Tim my husband "poop was EVERYWHERE". Angela did not want to go and I cannot blame her. I should keep a potty seat in my car for situations like this. Other than that, it was a awesome park. According to the Wheaton Park District website it is undergoing renovations. The section we visited seemed complete."</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3North Side Park, Wheaton, IL 60187, USA41.880575217902042 -88.110837047082541.877671217902041 -88.1144270470825 41.883479217902043 -88.1072470470825tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7727200841084676882.post-66422895962013248132011-07-08T14:03:00.000-05:002011-07-08T14:03:28.824-05:00Paulus Park, Lake Zurich<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Paulus Park</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rt. 12 just north of Rt. 22, Lake Zurich</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://lakezurich.patch.com/listings/henry-j-paulus-park">http://lakezurich.patch.com/listings/henry-j-paulus-park</a></span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yet another amazing park in the area! Thanks so much to Jodi for the suggestion. This park is located right on Lake Zurich and includes a beach, splash pad, large wooden playground, walking paths, fishing dock and many acres of other activities. Pack a lunch and go enjoy the weather!</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">When you turn onto Whitney Drive off of Route 12, turn left and park in the northern parking lot. It is closer to the entrance of the playground and beach. Use the other parking lot if you want to hit the skateboard park. </span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The playground structure is huge and can be very fun. But be prepared to lose your children, especially if you are tracking more than one! This is a large wooden structure with lots of climbing and hiding spaces. Littler kids are able to climb and play, but it is very difficult to see inside the structure from the ground. Dressing your kids in bright colors helps! Parents can go in as well, but it would be very difficult to follow in all areas for the very tall (or very pregnant.) There is a "Tot Lot" area with a smaller structure and baby swings. This side is fenced and nicely shaded in the morning.</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bathrooms are right next door to the playground in the concession stand building. The concession stand is open from 11am to 6pm. </span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you would like to visit the beach and splash pad, there is a daily fee. According to the posted sign at the gatehouse, children 3 and under are free, Ages 4-17 $5, 18 and up $8. This includes entrance to both the swimming beach and splash pad (they call it a "sprayground", which I love!) The splash pad is nicely shaded and fenced. There are no strollers allowed in the beach and splash pad area, so be prepared to leave it outside the fence if you bring it.</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">There is also another part of the beach available for free. You can't swim, but you can make sand castles! Bring lots of sand toys - there are also two sandboxes available in the playground area. There is a fishing dock located next to this stretch of beach.</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Plenty of shaded picnic spots and tables available. There are also horseshoe, bocce ball and volleyball courts as well as lots of paved walking paths around the park.</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-37A76CYjlXI/ThdOkvcMhJI/AAAAAAAAARE/GvNPCzAjoqE/s1600/DSC00927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-37A76CYjlXI/ThdOkvcMhJI/AAAAAAAAARE/GvNPCzAjoqE/s400/DSC00927.JPG" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to the park from Rt. 12</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SR2-C1sZ8Js/ThdOoougguI/AAAAAAAAARM/LIPcNPzpKgw/s1600/DSC00937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SR2-C1sZ8Js/ThdOoougguI/AAAAAAAAARM/LIPcNPzpKgw/s400/DSC00937.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playground - View #1</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FRKg2G7qV2Q/ThdOmox50eI/AAAAAAAAARI/uW6sQWS7_BA/s1600/DSC00936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FRKg2G7qV2Q/ThdOmox50eI/AAAAAAAAARI/uW6sQWS7_BA/s400/DSC00936.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playground - View #2</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LmfZO4i4hzs/ThdOsmwRnpI/AAAAAAAAARU/S3IPgwFLecU/s1600/DSC00940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LmfZO4i4hzs/ThdOsmwRnpI/AAAAAAAAARU/S3IPgwFLecU/s400/DSC00940.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playground - View #3</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zK24ZGOZ5gc/ThdO-5yfmkI/AAAAAAAAARw/NU0N7PCza70/s1600/DSC00962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zK24ZGOZ5gc/ThdO-5yfmkI/AAAAAAAAARw/NU0N7PCza70/s400/DSC00962.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playground - View #4</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2JSKVityt9Q/ThdOxEq-r5I/AAAAAAAAARc/_RL3RyK3Vm4/s1600/DSC00943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2JSKVityt9Q/ThdOxEq-r5I/AAAAAAAAARc/_RL3RyK3Vm4/s400/DSC00943.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playground - Tot Lot Area</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WjDaagzEDVM/ThdOzzXNXfI/AAAAAAAAARg/tKLR-tky_QE/s1600/DSC00944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WjDaagzEDVM/ThdOzzXNXfI/AAAAAAAAARg/tKLR-tky_QE/s400/DSC00944.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Sprayground" - nicely shaded with soft rubber floor</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JAczLgDx8UY/ThdOuucsZyI/AAAAAAAAARY/6HeViDdMgcs/s1600/DSC00942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JAczLgDx8UY/ThdOuucsZyI/AAAAAAAAARY/6HeViDdMgcs/s400/DSC00942.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the gatehouse and beach from the playground</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--E5210aKIP0/ThdO2WSkkjI/AAAAAAAAARk/zGUwX58DLmQ/s1600/DSC00945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--E5210aKIP0/ThdO2WSkkjI/AAAAAAAAARk/zGUwX58DLmQ/s400/DSC00945.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Concession stand and bathrooms next to the playground. There are also showers and changing areas for the beach-goers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-svq6E7ttBY8/ThdPBeWFyWI/AAAAAAAAAR0/hR1j4K3hWPg/s1600/DSC00963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-svq6E7ttBY8/ThdPBeWFyWI/AAAAAAAAAR0/hR1j4K3hWPg/s400/DSC00963.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bocce courts - bring your own set, or there was a sign that bocce balls were available for rent at the Barn during regular hours.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-beLE3Rt2Wkw/ThdPEBc_YfI/AAAAAAAAAR4/c2EairHd1ao/s1600/DSC00964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-beLE3Rt2Wkw/ThdPEBc_YfI/AAAAAAAAAR4/c2EairHd1ao/s400/DSC00964.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free beach area for sand play</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-23IdToxJ8vY/ThdO7_7H50I/AAAAAAAAARs/3kvK5k9KL-M/s1600/DSC00960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-23IdToxJ8vY/ThdO7_7H50I/AAAAAAAAARs/3kvK5k9KL-M/s400/DSC00960.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishing dock and beach area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2Paulus Park, Lake Zurich, IL 60047, USA42.1949538 -88.108238442.1942703 -88.1092409 42.1956373 -88.1072359tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7727200841084676882.post-65933083740251199552011-07-06T16:01:00.000-05:002011-07-06T16:01:12.431-05:00Quick Pics<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here are a couple parks that were recommended, I drove by and snapped some pictures but haven't tried them yet. Let me know if you get there before we do!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FiLTTOhVMos/ThTK-zk8uuI/AAAAAAAAAQw/-CDqd1dwfwk/s1600/IMAG0922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FiLTTOhVMos/ThTK-zk8uuI/AAAAAAAAAQw/-CDqd1dwfwk/s400/IMAG0922.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lions Park, East Dundee, Rt 68 between Rt 25 and 72</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0WRDoE8C3w0/ThTLBQKn49I/AAAAAAAAAQ0/AolBX1BSyHU/s1600/IMAG0920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0WRDoE8C3w0/ThTLBQKn49I/AAAAAAAAAQ0/AolBX1BSyHU/s400/IMAG0920.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huffman Park, Tartan Drive, West Dundee, IL</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Po1Szz9vXvE/ThTLECRprOI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/ps029DmLqRc/s1600/IMAG0933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Po1Szz9vXvE/ThTLECRprOI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/ps029DmLqRc/s400/IMAG0933.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hunters Ridge Wetland East, 1305 E. Hunters Ridge, Hoffman Estates</td></tr>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7727200841084676882.post-62243635556548428812011-07-06T15:49:00.000-05:002011-07-06T15:49:57.498-05:00Festival Park, Elgin<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Festival Park</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="pp-place-title"><span>Prairie St & S Grove Ave</span></span>, Elgin, IL 60120</div><span class="pp-headline-item pp-headline-address" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span></span></span><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://cityofelgin.org/index.aspx?nid=247http://cityofelgin.org/index.aspx?nid=247"><span style="font-size: x-small;">City of Elgin Website</span></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.downtownelgin.com/Page.aspx?ID=67&PID=15">Downtown Elgin Website</a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is a beautiful park in downtown Elgin, just north of the Grand Victoria Casino, right along the Fox River. The main function of this park seems to be aesthetics, however. While the few play structures are entertaining for a short time for the kids, they seem to be there more for the artistic value. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The fountain/splash pad should be your biggest draw to come here. Be sure to bring suits or extra clothes! There is no fence separating the two areas, so your kids will probably find a way to run through the fountains whether you like it or not. I'm not sure of the hours of operation for the fountains, we found it going full blast on a Sunday morning at 8am.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">There seems to be parking available on the street along Grove Ave. The park is also located right on the Fox River Trail, so it makes a really nice stop on an family bike ride. Bathrooms are located inside the building at the park and there are several picnic tables outside the building as well.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DyIiuG4M0_k/ThTHFIf_S3I/AAAAAAAAAQQ/WxhRWCMaDnc/s1600/DSC00894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DyIiuG4M0_k/ThTHFIf_S3I/AAAAAAAAAQQ/WxhRWCMaDnc/s400/DSC00894.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing Web - this is a little challenging for the 4 year old, and the two year isn't really sure what to do with it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful open park overlooking the river (and the casino). </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of park from the south</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-stLC98wWX3g/ThTHCVX0EyI/AAAAAAAAAQM/9x0adLQGVT0/s1600/DSC00893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-stLC98wWX3g/ThTHCVX0EyI/AAAAAAAAAQM/9x0adLQGVT0/s400/DSC00893.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spinning structures and view of building containing bathrooms</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zfzoPUMfMRk/ThTHHxGv49I/AAAAAAAAAQU/WTyd98UmPPY/s1600/DSC00895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zfzoPUMfMRk/ThTHHxGv49I/AAAAAAAAAQU/WTyd98UmPPY/s400/DSC00895.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Musical Play Structure</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0izyGvrI9xc/ThTHUlYgPFI/AAAAAAAAAQs/3iG2hXekzLM/s1600/IMAG0943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0izyGvrI9xc/ThTHUlYgPFI/AAAAAAAAAQs/3iG2hXekzLM/s400/IMAG0943.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fountains - beware, your kids will run in these whether you plan for it or not!</td></tr>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Prairie St & S Grove Ave, Elgin, IL 6012042.034496 -88.28196000000002641.993114999999996 -88.338844500000022 42.075877 -88.225075500000031tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7727200841084676882.post-35053607527070062212011-07-06T14:36:00.003-05:002011-07-06T14:46:49.644-05:00Cannon Crossings, Hoffman Estates<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Cannon Crossings Park</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1675 Nicholson Drive, Hoffman Estates</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">**A big thank you to Natalie for providing the photos and details about this newly renovated park!**</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This playground structure was completely replaced a few weeks ago. While there is a smaller "toddler" structure, this very cool and colorful playground seems to be geared towards kids slightly older, 5 and up. Some of the structures will give nervous mothers with adventurous kids a hard time.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There are also baseball fields, tennis courts and basketball court, there are no bathrooms available nearby. There is also another playground at Timber Trails elementary school.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com01675 Nicholson Dr, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192, USA42.0555965 -88.212479442.0516135 -88.2197749 42.0595795 -88.205183900000009tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7727200841084676882.post-4416880371582855652011-07-06T14:09:00.001-05:002011-07-06T14:47:32.666-05:00Itasca Water Park<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Subhead1">Itasca Waterpark </span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Subhead1">100 North Catalpa, Itasca IL</span></span> </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.itasca.com/index.aspx?NID=86">http://www.itasca.com/index.aspx?NID=86</a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A little break from the "dry" playgrounds, I had to share this waterpark playground that my kids enjoyed so much today. On Monday thru Friday from 9:30am to 12pm, the Itasca Waterpark has the kiddie pool open for $4 a person, kids under 2 are free. Be sure to check around for coupons, I found a 2 for 1 available in the <a href="http://oakleesguide.com/">Oaklee's Guide</a>. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But this isn't just a kiddie pool, it is a water-filled playground structure! Very similar to the structures you find in the large indoor waterparks, your kids will splash, slide and play. There are water squirters, water falls, slides, a tunnel and lots of fountains. </span><span style="font-size: small;">Although the pool has a zero depth area at one end, be aware that some parts are a little deeper than expected, especially at the bottom of the twisty slide. Some people also brought their own water toys - buckets, watering cans, balls, etc. But you won't be lacking for things to do without them!</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There are many shady lounge chairs around the side of the pool area, but get there early because the shade does seem to fill up quickly. Concessions and picnic tables were also available off to the side, but I'm not sure if you can bring in your own food. Parking was free and changing rooms/bathrooms were smaller than expected, but sufficient. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1100 Catalpa Ave, Itasca, IL 60143, USA41.9705474 -88.01987839999998241.9705424 -88.019880899999976 41.9705524 -88.019875899999988tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7727200841084676882.post-19731597267090813582011-07-06T13:48:00.001-05:002011-07-06T14:48:31.109-05:00Citizens Park, Barrington<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Citizens Park, Barrington <br />
511 Lake Zurich Road, (at Route 14) Barrington, IL 60010 </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://barringtonparkdistrict.org/Parks-Facilities/Citizens-Park-information.htm">http://barringtonparkdistrict.org/Parks-Facilities/Citizens-Park-information.htm</a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Another huge, wonderful park for you to enjoy with your children. This is a 45 acre park that offers a wide variety of things to do- tennis, hiking, posing for gorgeous pictures. There is also a large, open field that would be perfect for kite flying (or just letting your kids run around like crazy.) Parking is free and widely available.<br />
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The playground structure is nice, newer and very accessible for kids of all ages. There are nice canopies on top that offer some shade to the equipment and there are nice benches around the playground... if you are able to sit down!<br />
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The ground of the play area is recycled rubber mulch, which was soft and springy for the kids. However, be aware that it is dirty and you will probably go home with some black streaks on skin and/or clothing. Don't wear your Sunday best! <br />
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Bathrooms are clean and nice, located on the far side of the building just to the north, only a short walk from the playground structure . I have to give them extra credit for having stools at the bathroom sinks - always a favorite detail of mine!<br />
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Definitely pack a picnic lunch and eat at the "Treehouse." I originally thought this was another play structure, but it is primarily a special event location and scenic picnic spot. The indoor room is only available by rental and is locked, but there is a nice shaded landing with several large picnic tables. The Treehouse is all accessible by stroller, too.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pk49DNdn6a8/ThShKrO4ovI/AAAAAAAAAOU/K7OEAXUgNd4/s1600/DSC00808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pk49DNdn6a8/ThShKrO4ovI/AAAAAAAAAOU/K7OEAXUgNd4/s400/DSC00808.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of playground structure from the parking lot</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CUDBxLvv9Uw/ThShMvwLMQI/AAAAAAAAAOY/BOgclwY-LFM/s1600/DSC00809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CUDBxLvv9Uw/ThShMvwLMQI/AAAAAAAAAOY/BOgclwY-LFM/s400/DSC00809.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My kids loved this climb-through tunnel!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DabiXz5bBA0/ThShTXPXvoI/AAAAAAAAAOg/FbJFF1fxXpo/s1600/DSC00811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DabiXz5bBA0/ThShTXPXvoI/AAAAAAAAAOg/FbJFF1fxXpo/s400/DSC00811.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The triple slide</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m2RkdiyLxrY/ThShuQNMbYI/AAAAAAAAAPM/dy06UNBx25U/s1600/DSC00828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m2RkdiyLxrY/ThShuQNMbYI/AAAAAAAAAPM/dy06UNBx25U/s400/DSC00828.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the playground on the way back from the restrooms</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cza87FZC7Ag/ThShPYb3l9I/AAAAAAAAAOc/-gKX2g77tc4/s1600/DSC00810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cza87FZC7Ag/ThShPYb3l9I/AAAAAAAAAOc/-gKX2g77tc4/s400/DSC00810.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the "mulch" on the ground of the play area - it is like touching a tire, you will probably get dirty!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ypNsMVk-DfE/ThShXWA5FXI/AAAAAAAAAOo/Zm24iPDGtSg/s1600/DSC00813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ypNsMVk-DfE/ThShXWA5FXI/AAAAAAAAAOo/Zm24iPDGtSg/s400/DSC00813.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice bathroom with the hand-washing-stool bonus. Very good, Barrington Park District!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large open field in between play area and Treehouse. Saw someone flying an amazing kite while we were there!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zjrb2P4-KkY/ThShbmNsQJI/AAAAAAAAAOw/2JmkhpIK4So/s1600/DSC00817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zjrb2P4-KkY/ThShbmNsQJI/AAAAAAAAAOw/2JmkhpIK4So/s400/DSC00817.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Treehouse</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to the Treehouse - everything has ramps for easy stroller access.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SNpzC2tZymE/ThShrUIBKsI/AAAAAAAAAPI/BxyZ4L2xA8Q/s1600/DSC00824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SNpzC2tZymE/ThShrUIBKsI/AAAAAAAAAPI/BxyZ4L2xA8Q/s400/DSC00824.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shaded canopy area with picnic tables makes a great lunch spot.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2bV_5rm6_kk/ThShlvowo2I/AAAAAAAAAPA/2OmOEovVrLo/s1600/DSC00821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2bV_5rm6_kk/ThShlvowo2I/AAAAAAAAAPA/2OmOEovVrLo/s400/DSC00821.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the structure that is available for rental - what a nice party idea!</td></tr>
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</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0511 Lake Zurich Rd, Barrington, IL 60010, USA42.16125 -88.12838699999997542.1294385 -88.18675199999997 42.193061500000006 -88.07002199999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7727200841084676882.post-30888197936314141882011-06-25T08:38:00.001-05:002011-07-06T14:49:46.153-05:00Deicke Park, Huntley<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Deicke Park, Huntley</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">11419 South Route 47, Huntley, IL</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.huntleyparks.org/">http://www.huntleyparks.org/</a> (But good luck finding info on their site about this place...) </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Deicke Park is a large park district complex that includes baseball fields, picnic areas, aquatic center and other outdoor amenities. However, the real draw for this park is the Deicke Discovery Zone. This is a playground unlike any other we've ever been to! I know some of you think Huntley might be far, but this park is not too far north</span> of the 90 and you can stop at the outlet center on your way home. And it is TOTALLY worth the drive!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Let's start with the Discovery Zone. This is where we spent all of our time, although there is another more usual playground on the grounds. You probably won't leave here either. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As you can see in the picture below, the Discovery Zone area is surrounded a black fence all the way around. There are only two gates to the Zone, which makes it very nice if you are trying to track two or more kids. I didn't see any posted hours of operation, and I can't find them on the Huntley Park website, but the gates do close and lock and you could see that the sandbox had been raked from the day before. I'll update if I find any more information on the hours. A large parking lot is located right in front, and bathrooms are available in an outdoor building right next to the park. There are plenty of picnic tables located both inside and outside the Zone area, the ones inside are even kid-friendly pvc-coated with umbrellas. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">For the equipment itself, I'll let the pictures do most of the talking, but here are a few things you might want to bring with you: Basketball or other balls for cool basketball court, chalk for the painted chalk wall, and additional sand toys for the "dinosaur bone" digging. Oh, and the ground of the play areas is covered with that soft rubbery flooring, no wood chips to worry about!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ng_CzDmjh-M/TgXeibZIHfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/kAhBTX-9zFs/s1600/DSC00772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ng_CzDmjh-M/TgXeibZIHfI/AAAAAAAAAM4/kAhBTX-9zFs/s400/DSC00772.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is part of the sandbox - there are "dinosaur bones" hidden under the sand so the kids can uncover them. My kids spent 90% of their time here. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the back half of the park - the center has a musical area where the kids can make noises, and if they step on certain spots on the ground, chimes will ring. A lot of the equipment at the park made fun noises, which thrilled my kids immensely. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FRnIRvXgzyE/TgXe0kl6SBI/AAAAAAAAANU/nmNC3ZSghuY/s1600/DSC00779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FRnIRvXgzyE/TgXe0kl6SBI/AAAAAAAAANU/nmNC3ZSghuY/s400/DSC00779.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the back climbing structure. Other than the swings, this is the closest the Discovery Zone comes to a regular playground. Older kids (6,7 years) might be bored on this equipment, but it was great for the 2 and 4 year olds.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More of the sandbox and some of the toys they have there to play with - you can also bring your own if you have a big sand lover!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playground structure at the back of the park</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the back of the Discovery Zone - trying to do it any justice for the size and variety of equipment!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chalk wall for the kids to color on - bring your own chalk, I didn't see any there.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basketball court - we didn't bring a ball and Wesley was really disappointed. They have hoops of all heights with crazy backboards.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the "other" playground at Deicke. It looked really great, too, but as you can see, we didn't even get out of the car. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9O6ONWhfT_k/TgXfNNe1F1I/AAAAAAAAAN4/iyNOQWwzxwk/s1600/DSC00789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9O6ONWhfT_k/TgXfNNe1F1I/AAAAAAAAAN4/iyNOQWwzxwk/s400/DSC00789.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More of Deicke Park outside the Discovery Zone</td></tr>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4Huntley, IL, USA42.162672019198723 -88.4289139761962742.110524019198721 -88.475741476196276 42.214820019198726 -88.382086476196264tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7727200841084676882.post-16872775796431543672011-06-20T19:24:00.001-05:002011-07-06T14:51:18.337-05:00Randall Oaks SECRET Playground<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Randall Oaks Barn Zoo and Park</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">750 N. Randall Road, Dundee, IL</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.dtpd.org/pages/ro_park.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">http://www.dtpd.org/pages/ro_park.html</span></a> </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">For petting zoo coupon click <a href="http://www.chicagoparent.com/resources/going-places/finding-nature/zoos/randall-oaks-barnyard-zoo/coupons/1-free-child-admission">here</a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">There will be more pictures of the Randall Oaks Zoo and playgrounds to come, but first I had to share my find of the hidden park at Randall Oaks! (Many thanks to Melissa S. for the secret location!) </span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">In addition to the barnyard petting zoo and two playgrounds visible from the front parking lot, there is a third playground in the far back of the park. To get there, turn left (south) and follow the gravel road around to the parking lot in the rear of the park. There will be two paths, one leads up a hill to a picnic shelter, the other (on left) leads to this fabulous playground!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">In addition to the two play structures shown in the pictures, there is an enormous sand area that seemed relatively clean... although play at your own risk. There is a nice shady spot under a tree with several picnic tables, but there did seems to be a few mosquitoes buzzing around in the shade. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Potty trainers beware - there are NO bathrooms close to this playground! You will have to go at the Barn in the front of the park, or find a porta-potty along the path. Only downside to this park!</span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wCm_N6Nq5vo/Tf_dKfe9VWI/AAAAAAAAAK8/BXvUjlyC2y0/s1600/IMAG0887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wCm_N6Nq5vo/Tf_dKfe9VWI/AAAAAAAAAK8/BXvUjlyC2y0/s400/IMAG0887.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the parking lot of the path to take</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_vaa9JIgn4M/Tf_dL2ss7cI/AAAAAAAAALA/MZ1VxpR8-1o/s1600/IMAG0889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_vaa9JIgn4M/Tf_dL2ss7cI/AAAAAAAAALA/MZ1VxpR8-1o/s400/IMAG0889.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Follow the path down to the park!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BJ3BIOfM_Aw/Tf_idCaVeYI/AAAAAAAAALU/gpbE2M6Yvr8/s1600/IMAG0874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BJ3BIOfM_Aw/Tf_idCaVeYI/AAAAAAAAALU/gpbE2M6Yvr8/s400/IMAG0874.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of whole park, including picnic benches and sandbox</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GaT2s-CGoc8/Tf_dCE54-KI/AAAAAAAAAKg/04_StNgF_4w/s1600/IMAG0879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GaT2s-CGoc8/Tf_dCE54-KI/AAAAAAAAAKg/04_StNgF_4w/s400/IMAG0879.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playground #1 - this is for younger kids, the 2 year olds loved it, but the 4 year olds had a great time, too!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yPrbDmZAoWU/Tf_ib9FEXNI/AAAAAAAAALQ/3y4Oa-jpyXM/s1600/IMAG0873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yPrbDmZAoWU/Tf_ib9FEXNI/AAAAAAAAALQ/3y4Oa-jpyXM/s400/IMAG0873.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playground #1</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vQp5jtj1QL8/Tf_igsOWbYI/AAAAAAAAALg/08lFYvpk5pw/s1600/IMAG0877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vQp5jtj1QL8/Tf_igsOWbYI/AAAAAAAAALg/08lFYvpk5pw/s400/IMAG0877.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playground #2 - this structure was HUGE! Plenty to play on, but nothing really out of reach for the two year olds.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dZIjcfE0PyQ/Tf_dDJCID8I/AAAAAAAAAKk/dKKTa3sPTkU/s1600/IMAG0880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dZIjcfE0PyQ/Tf_dDJCID8I/AAAAAAAAAKk/dKKTa3sPTkU/s400/IMAG0880.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playground #2</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YkzHDpWODI4/Tf_dElTAUmI/AAAAAAAAAKo/i4s6xol4Rxw/s1600/IMAG0881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YkzHDpWODI4/Tf_dElTAUmI/AAAAAAAAAKo/i4s6xol4Rxw/s400/IMAG0881.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More of Playground #2</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CV8uYlOFBug/Tf_dF19iJ4I/AAAAAAAAAKs/9z34yAg5cV8/s1600/IMAG0882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CV8uYlOFBug/Tf_dF19iJ4I/AAAAAAAAAKs/9z34yAg5cV8/s400/IMAG0882.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Triple slide on Playground #2</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xVXAMsi48gE/Tf_dG69S1VI/AAAAAAAAAKw/k4mhyy06Zb8/s1600/IMAG0883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xVXAMsi48gE/Tf_dG69S1VI/AAAAAAAAAKw/k4mhyy06Zb8/s400/IMAG0883.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super twisty slide on Playground #2 - the kids LOVED this one!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iUs3A7rpNZM/Tf_dH4v4d4I/AAAAAAAAAK0/bx9e2MLJHTU/s1600/IMAG0884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iUs3A7rpNZM/Tf_dH4v4d4I/AAAAAAAAAK0/bx9e2MLJHTU/s400/IMAG0884.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More of playground #2</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o48ceIK9fzM/Tf_dI4ML3mI/AAAAAAAAAK4/BBcxgTkinAc/s1600/IMAG0885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o48ceIK9fzM/Tf_dI4ML3mI/AAAAAAAAAK4/BBcxgTkinAc/s400/IMAG0885.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still more views of playground #2</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandbox, seesaw and monkey bars/sliding thingie</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jVHxSOZ9bhA/Tf_iesME8aI/AAAAAAAAALY/K0QPEa8Yvco/s1600/IMAG0875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jVHxSOZ9bhA/Tf_iesME8aI/AAAAAAAAALY/K0QPEa8Yvco/s400/IMAG0875.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swings</td></tr>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Randall Oaks Park, 750 N Randall Rd, Dundee, IL 60118-9330, USA42.1125412 -88.33789809999996142.1097857 -88.340379599999963 42.1152967 -88.335416599999959tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7727200841084676882.post-59319538932184442812011-05-24T20:53:00.001-05:002011-07-06T14:52:14.191-05:00Lords Park, Elgin<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Lords Park <br />
<span class="pp-headline-item pp-headline-address-lhp2" dir="ltr">325 Hiawatha, Elgin, IL 60120</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">http://cityofelgin.org/index.aspx?nid=478 </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Pictures won't do this park justice. This is by far our family's favorite park in the area, but it always amazes me that it is not widely known by people living here. In addition to two playgrounds, there is a large animal zoo that has bison, deer and elk, a walking path around a gorgeous lake with ducks and geese to feed, and enormous grassy areas for playing and picnics. There are also covered picnic areas, plus the Lord's Park aquatic center.<br />
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The park is located north of Rt. 19, south of Rt. 58 and east of Rt. 25. There are several entrances to the park and parking is plentiful. But if you are meeting someone, make sure you specify a spot (like the bison pen) to meet. You can park by the pond, by the aquatic center or by the playgrounds. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A2U2Icbegus/TdxQsZ-x9II/AAAAAAAAAJY/KSczEbbWcYI/s1600/DSC03194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A2U2Icbegus/TdxQsZ-x9II/AAAAAAAAAJY/KSczEbbWcYI/s400/DSC03194.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful pond has a path all the way around and some nice spots to feed the ducks.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6tbWkyHREdc/TdxQ9RDWt_I/AAAAAAAAAJ0/Nd9hsJ4PlDI/s1600/DSC03201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6tbWkyHREdc/TdxQ9RDWt_I/AAAAAAAAAJ0/Nd9hsJ4PlDI/s400/DSC03201.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bison pen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ueDDserZsAA/TdxRTwTho8I/AAAAAAAAAJ8/O7E6PnLxsyY/s1600/DSC03203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ueDDserZsAA/TdxRTwTho8I/AAAAAAAAAJ8/O7E6PnLxsyY/s400/DSC03203.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playground #1 - this one is better for younger kids, but there are no baby swings at this playground. The ground is sand, so keep this in mind when choosing footwear!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bh7u_XoEEts/TdxRYw-zABI/AAAAAAAAAKE/7a_qImaO7YY/s1600/DSC03205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bh7u_XoEEts/TdxRYw-zABI/AAAAAAAAAKE/7a_qImaO7YY/s400/DSC03205.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another shot of playground #1, directly across from the bison pen.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-auhWekk0eio/TdxRbS1cMKI/AAAAAAAAAKI/dro-KEQa3Eg/s1600/DSC03206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-auhWekk0eio/TdxRbS1cMKI/AAAAAAAAAKI/dro-KEQa3Eg/s400/DSC03206.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice covered picnic area next to playground #1</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AK5QBmKnv88/TdxRgA0Ji5I/AAAAAAAAAKQ/NK34ReJmdYc/s1600/DSC03208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AK5QBmKnv88/TdxRgA0Ji5I/AAAAAAAAAKQ/NK34ReJmdYc/s400/DSC03208.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playground #2 - this one is better for preschool aged kids and up. There is a tunnel they have to climb to reach the slides and the young kids can't quite get up by themselves.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MjjP4FTdZ6c/TdxRi1YRNYI/AAAAAAAAAKU/C6Ia8DgaIAQ/s1600/DSC03209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MjjP4FTdZ6c/TdxRi1YRNYI/AAAAAAAAAKU/C6Ia8DgaIAQ/s400/DSC03209.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While the playground is better for older kids, there are baby swings at this playground.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fcWWuMehKKU/TdxRlXW7YtI/AAAAAAAAAKY/MRSZWGCKDho/s1600/DSC03210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fcWWuMehKKU/TdxRlXW7YtI/AAAAAAAAAKY/MRSZWGCKDho/s400/DSC03210.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Also located in Lord's Park is the Elgin Public Museum. We haven't been inside yet, but they do hold lots of interesting programs about Natural History, including a Bison feeding. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m1Tr9CRwjPw/TdxTE-FeItI/AAAAAAAAAKc/NY9IWuteWyA/s1600/DSC03211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m1Tr9CRwjPw/TdxTE-FeItI/AAAAAAAAAKc/NY9IWuteWyA/s400/DSC03211.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a great picture, but this is the Lord's Park Aquatic Center - pool, slides, sand play.</td></tr>
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</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="goog_810584857"></span><span id="goog_810584858"></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7727200841084676882.post-4637126143359069562011-05-23T09:14:00.002-05:002011-06-28T06:48:49.338-05:00Park Ideas<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here is a list of the future parks I'm working on posting.... please let me know your favorites so I can add them, too!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Princeton Park, Hoffman Estates</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Cannon Crossings, Hoffman Estates</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Polk Branch Park, 901 E Thacker Drive, Schaumburg<br />
Russ Parker Park, 301 National Parkway, Schaumburg<br />
Victoria Park, Schaumburg<br />
Citizen's Park, Barrington</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7727200841084676882.post-88655748687265625752011-05-23T09:09:00.001-05:002011-07-06T14:52:49.754-05:00South Barrington Community Park<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Community Park, South Barrington</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">8 Bridges Drive</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This is a newer park located off Bartlett Road, just north of Rt. 72 and the Arboretum of South Barrington.In addition to swings, there are two great sets of equipment with lots of neat things we don't see often at other parks. The larger equipment is really challenging for younger kids, they have to scale a pretty tall climbing wall to even reach the 3 slides. I don't think I would even climb it myself! But the equipment geared towards the younger kids is big enough with plenty to do. There are some nice areas to picnic and plenty of parking. There was a porta-potty there the last time we visited, but we didn't see any permanent bathrooms. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GQszM1wzcJM/TdpozWNP43I/AAAAAAAAAIw/enziJmFQIeE/s1600/DSC00077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GQszM1wzcJM/TdpozWNP43I/AAAAAAAAAIw/enziJmFQIeE/s400/DSC00077.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y41ed6GLaS4/Tdpo1mq9rfI/AAAAAAAAAI0/OAe6AzMhTwI/s1600/DSC00079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y41ed6GLaS4/Tdpo1mq9rfI/AAAAAAAAAI0/OAe6AzMhTwI/s400/DSC00079.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This equipment is quite challenging for little kids. The yellow thing with holes is the only access to the three large slides. The top of that is way too high for my 4 year old, but maybe older kids might enjoy the climb!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Huzg9p-7Yng/Tdpo36RitBI/AAAAAAAAAI4/cleRpJ2KjL8/s1600/DSC00080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Huzg9p-7Yng/Tdpo36RitBI/AAAAAAAAAI4/cleRpJ2KjL8/s400/DSC00080.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LrNCFKpFBs4/Tdpo6GBX5sI/AAAAAAAAAI8/KkkOchckOkM/s1600/DSC00081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LrNCFKpFBs4/Tdpo6GBX5sI/AAAAAAAAAI8/KkkOchckOkM/s400/DSC00081.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7727200841084676882.post-43427246146340947582011-05-23T08:57:00.001-05:002011-07-06T14:58:05.400-05:00Vogelei Park, Hoffman Estates<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Vogelei Park, Hoffman Estates<br />
650 West Higgins Road </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">http://heparks.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=59:about-vogelei&catid=38:vogelei&Itemid=71 </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Vogelei Park has a great playground, Safetytown streets where kids can ride their bikes, a small splash pad with a couple fountains and a great big grassy area for picnics as well as a covered picnic area overlooking a lake with ducks. In the summer, the picnic area doubles as a stage and they often have free kids concerts and events. There are public bathrooms located in the barn.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There is a lot for parking, but be aware that during concerts and events the lot can get quite full. Located on Rt. 72 at the intersection of Rt. 58, you can only enter Vogelei Park while going west on Rt. 72. There is a turnaround just past the intersection where you can get back on 72 west by turning right.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JsIubRh9ngs/Tdplq5BbTvI/AAAAAAAAAIs/BTTHrIump7I/s1600/Vogelei.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JsIubRh9ngs/Tdplq5BbTvI/AAAAAAAAAIs/BTTHrIump7I/s400/Vogelei.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">**A big thanks to Gina for this picture!**</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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</a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xil6M2OksQY/ThS9ZitzAQI/AAAAAAAAAP0/38zLZKoUHpg/s1600/DSC00794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xil6M2OksQY/ThS9ZitzAQI/AAAAAAAAAP0/38zLZKoUHpg/s320/DSC00794.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the splash pad - obviously it wasn't on when we were there. It is really just a couple fountains that the kids can run through.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ylbj0f7FzfI/ThS9dscfDOI/AAAAAAAAAP8/6fj_0f4qpwM/s1600/DSC00796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ylbj0f7FzfI/ThS9dscfDOI/AAAAAAAAAP8/6fj_0f4qpwM/s320/DSC00796.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is where the concerts are located, also a great place to picnic.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Vogelei Park, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169, USA42.0502512154464 -88.095880770886242.048921715446404 -88.097126270886193 42.0515807154464 -88.0946352708862tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7727200841084676882.post-9281617615956610902011-05-20T13:30:00.002-05:002011-07-06T14:59:28.708-05:00Black Bear Park, Hoffman Estates<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">NEW! UPDATED PICTURES!<br />
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</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Located at 1784 Essex Drive, Hoffman Estates.</div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.heparks.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=58&Itemid=107">http://www.heparks.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=58&Itemid=107</a></span><br />
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More than just playgrounds!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In addition to the nice, new playground equipment, this park also offers a paved path, pond with a dock for fishing, frisbee golf course and basketball court. There is a gazebo with one picnic table. Parking is available on the street, but watch the "No Parking" signs, you can't park directly in front of the park (I have seen them ticketing recently!)</div><br />
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ujkf97IFWx4/Tf_levpKkcI/AAAAAAAAAMI/o-GEJg5_aQg/s1600/IMAG0834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ujkf97IFWx4/Tf_levpKkcI/AAAAAAAAAMI/o-GEJg5_aQg/s400/IMAG0834.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ao5lRe0Q7Mo/Tf_lUQc8ZCI/AAAAAAAAALo/WGMM0Iqb6mI/s1600/IMAG0826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ao5lRe0Q7Mo/Tf_lUQc8ZCI/AAAAAAAAALo/WGMM0Iqb6mI/s400/IMAG0826.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the play structure for older kids, there are a few openings that make me nervous with the younger kids.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-puFhDkIa6YA/Tf_lVhJCqqI/AAAAAAAAALs/ZiW5UtNQce8/s1600/IMAG0827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-puFhDkIa6YA/Tf_lVhJCqqI/AAAAAAAAALs/ZiW5UtNQce8/s400/IMAG0827.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H_DwLR_upAk/Tf_lYM3WHZI/AAAAAAAAAL0/j426tGckiR8/s1600/IMAG0829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H_DwLR_upAk/Tf_lYM3WHZI/AAAAAAAAAL0/j426tGckiR8/s400/IMAG0829.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front of the larger play structure</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toddler play structure - perfect for little ones, but doesn't really interest the older ones too much.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dcHtD6HZ-LA/Tf_lazibuJI/AAAAAAAAAL8/3t3fJpPDhA0/s1600/IMAG0831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dcHtD6HZ-LA/Tf_lazibuJI/AAAAAAAAAL8/3t3fJpPDhA0/s400/IMAG0831.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bring a ball! Nice basketball court for the kids to run and bounce balls.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ETMkKu50F2c/Tf_lcH5GQGI/AAAAAAAAAMA/jTh_6GEVXXw/s1600/IMAG0832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ETMkKu50F2c/Tf_lcH5GQGI/AAAAAAAAAMA/jTh_6GEVXXw/s400/IMAG0832.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paved path leads down the frisbee golf course, walking path and pond.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mYOTfpifd7o/Tf_ldOTtDyI/AAAAAAAAAME/wZbkBcO50Nk/s1600/IMAG0833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mYOTfpifd7o/Tf_ldOTtDyI/AAAAAAAAAME/wZbkBcO50Nk/s400/IMAG0833.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picnic shelter</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CGLfE-bkjFo/Tf_lglWY86I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/mxuJz2UdSHs/s1600/IMAG0836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CGLfE-bkjFo/Tf_lglWY86I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/mxuJz2UdSHs/s400/IMAG0836.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the park from the street</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hhCDp8fWFR0/Tf_lh4thgZI/AAAAAAAAAMU/xZZBG2NWR-8/s1600/IMAG0837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hhCDp8fWFR0/Tf_lh4thgZI/AAAAAAAAAMU/xZZBG2NWR-8/s400/IMAG0837.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paved path on the way to the pond</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ElvIfJO1idY/Tf_lkaepuVI/AAAAAAAAAMc/7b_z0KqG3o0/s1600/IMAG0841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ElvIfJO1idY/Tf_lkaepuVI/AAAAAAAAAMc/7b_z0KqG3o0/s400/IMAG0841.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pond has fish, ducks and geese - bring food or your fishing pole!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishing dock at the pond</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EC1fn8JcIT0/Tf_lnCqJwNI/AAAAAAAAAMk/y-JWoFz9Qqc/s1600/IMAG0843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EC1fn8JcIT0/Tf_lnCqJwNI/AAAAAAAAAMk/y-JWoFz9Qqc/s400/IMAG0843.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the park coming back up the path from the pond</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-md6wD7PRvaY/Tf_loTuERLI/AAAAAAAAAMo/YhfAY1PQrsg/s1600/IMAG0844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-md6wD7PRvaY/Tf_loTuERLI/AAAAAAAAAMo/YhfAY1PQrsg/s400/IMAG0844.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of whole park from the back</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com01784 Essex Dr, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192, USA42.0571961 -88.2308060000000342.0571956 -88.230815500000034 42.0571966 -88.230796500000025tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7727200841084676882.post-54856662447692790342011-05-20T13:16:00.002-05:002011-07-06T15:02:46.830-05:00Sunny Hill Park, Streamwood<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sunny Hill Park<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1400 W. Irving Park Road, Streamwood</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">**Note - you can only enter the park going westbound on Irving Park Road! </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.streamwoodparkdistrict.org/brochure/Summ1126.pdf">http://www.streamwoodparkdistrict.org/brochure/Summ1126.pdf</a></span></div></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This big park is great for all ages!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The larger equipment is challenging enough so the school-aged kids can get out some energy, but not overly dangerous for 2-3 year olds. There is a smaller playset for the younger kids, plus an additional playground on the back side of the park that has another toddler-sized playground as well.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In the summer, the Splash Pad is one of the best in the area. Not just a fountain in the ground, but lots of squirting water and places to fill buckets. It is nice and fenced in (when people actually close the gates) and there is no deep water to worry about. Nice grass area inside the fence to set up your towels or strollers with babies. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yq0hb0qX3W0/TdadMvDR34I/AAAAAAAAAHo/JKJ9jPuFvN0/s400/IMAG0746.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main Playground Area</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K8i3gCx20EY/TdadN4JLC-I/AAAAAAAAAHs/N2-AZRPzRmI/s1600/IMAG0747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K8i3gCx20EY/TdadN4JLC-I/AAAAAAAAAHs/N2-AZRPzRmI/s400/IMAG0747.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swings and smaller toddler sized play equipment</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pPyE_82u9fk/TdadPu-CVhI/AAAAAAAAAHw/Pynn_XFuf0c/s1600/IMAG0751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pPyE_82u9fk/TdadPu-CVhI/AAAAAAAAAHw/Pynn_XFuf0c/s400/IMAG0751.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby swings and regular swings</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PoVVFXhoJlk/TdadQ8XArtI/AAAAAAAAAH0/SaNthD4kz1w/s1600/IMAG0752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PoVVFXhoJlk/TdadQ8XArtI/AAAAAAAAAH0/SaNthD4kz1w/s400/IMAG0752.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the toddler sized equipment</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lRy2wesHwgU/TdadR5f0PJI/AAAAAAAAAH4/z-ZpT-fQF6A/s1600/IMAG0753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lRy2wesHwgU/TdadR5f0PJI/AAAAAAAAAH4/z-ZpT-fQF6A/s400/IMAG0753.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fantastic covered picnic area plus bathrooms</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nHlXBfd7Ick/TdadTEVGeDI/AAAAAAAAAH8/CtJtTkYZS1s/s1600/IMAG0754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nHlXBfd7Ick/TdadTEVGeDI/AAAAAAAAAH8/CtJtTkYZS1s/s400/IMAG0754.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just behind the playground there is a huge grassy area with another small playground at the far end. This playground is perfect for little ones aged 2 and under. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ulfViU-PTW8/TdadUNzn0dI/AAAAAAAAAIA/PHbUClrG6C4/s1600/IMAG0755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ulfViU-PTW8/TdadUNzn0dI/AAAAAAAAAIA/PHbUClrG6C4/s400/IMAG0755.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The splash pad here is fantastic. It is fenced in, has nice grassy area to set up your picnic, plus lots of fountains for the kids to run through and play with water. Best splash pad in the area, hands down.</td></tr>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com01400 W. Irving Park Road, Streamwood42.0226803 -88.21486949999996341.9958508 -88.256484499999956 42.049509799999996 -88.17325449999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7727200841084676882.post-72284836699063804652011-05-20T12:17:00.001-05:002011-05-20T12:37:24.742-05:00Welcome!<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm starting this blog for Moms (and Dads) in the Hoffman Estates area... including surrounding places like Elgin, Barrington, South Barrington, Schaumburg, Streamwood, Bartlett... and hopefully eventually beyond! I'm always searching for new playgrounds that will entertain (and exhaust) my two kids. But when I try to find a good list of playgrounds, I'm disappointed by the lack of information about the equipment available or pictures. So now I am attempting to compile my own list that I hope you will find useful, too!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Please let me know if there is any information I am leaving out about these parks, as I get started I'm sure I haven't thought of everything. I am also happy to get suggestions of other parks to check out, or better still, photos and notes from your experiences! </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0