06/16/2013 - Erhler Park, Logan Square, 2230 W Cortland St

Post #8

link to panorama - http://pnr.ma/daVKIZ

Happy Father's Day to all who fit this description!  For our Father's Day park trip, we went over to Erhler Park over on Cortland and Leavitt (just south of Armitage and west of Leavitt).

It was a hot one, but we still managed to enjoy this one.

George Carlos - ★★★★★,"...because I got to play in the sand.  That's why I give it 5 stars, because I like sand so much."

Máximo - ★★★★, "We had fun... It didn't have that much, and it was pretty fun too."

George Carlos in his favorite place

Nice playground, although the slides and equipment were terribly hot, but that has nothing to do with the park.

I went down this slide

Máximo did not, "I'm gonna pass."

The one thing that was slightly annoying was the water fountain, which was always running, and whose drain had been clogged so that it constantly overflowed.  It was impossible to do anything but desire to drink from it.  Luckily I brought water.

Other than this slight quibble, it's a nice park.  Kind of hidden away, with baby and normal swing sets and a good mix of equipment.

I'd give it 3 1/2 stars, personally.

http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks/Erhler-Playlot-Park/

06/09/2013 - Playground on East Side of Humboldt Park, Humboldt Park, California Ave. & Evergreen Ave.

Post #7

Link to panoramic - http://pnr.ma/aCuhIS

Two weeks ago it was raining, but we tried to head over to the east side of Humboldt nonetheless.  Máximo ended up feeling kind of crummy, so we ended up making it a reconnaissance mission and determined that we would return (which we did last weekend).

above was taken on recon day.

This park is pretty rad, lots of rope equipment. 

another photo from the recon mission

Boys' assessment:

George Carlos - ★★★★★,"I liked the big slide and playing on the big mountain."

Máximo - ★★★★★, "There were a lot of ropes to climb on and I really liked the hill."

 The hill: as above, so below.

I liked this park, personally, and think it's well built and stocked with plenty of wonderful equipment.  The rope attractions are unique and rarely on a playground in such high numbers.

I don't think we ever forgo the swings, 

especially when they're of the seated variety.

We played king of the mountain on the hump that completes the circle (look at a Google Map image of the park and you'll see it makes a complete circle https://maps.google.com/maps?q=humboldt+park+playground+california+chicago&ll=41.905315,-87.6973&spn=0.000534,0.000966&fb=1&gl=us&hq=humboldt+park+playground+california&hnear=0x880e2c3cd0f4cbed:0xafe0a6ad09c0c000,Chicago,+IL&cid=0,0,15908872462850935332&t=h&z=21&iwloc=A)

Awesome park with plenty to keep you occupied, I agree with my boys' assessment: five stars.

http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks/humboldtpark/

05/26/2013 - Playground on West Side of Humboldt Park, Humboldt Park, Luis Munoz Marin Drive & Division

Post #6 - better late than never

link to panorama: http://pnr.ma/bInQQo

We've actually visited this park before.  Back in January we stopped here when there was snow on the ground and I considered doing this blog for the boys.

In January, we drew pictures in the snow:

Now:

This time it was nice enough to get some enjoyment out of the equipment.

 

It's your run-of-the-mill playground, in great condition, kind of hidden away within the giant expanse of Humbolt Park.  

Square up:

George Carlos - ★★★,"because there was only one kid there."

Máximo - ★★★, "because of the fish smell."

It would fare just average, in my estimation, had it not been for the crazy-nasty fish smell that permeated every corner of the playground.  We couldn't trace it - thought it was coming from the garbage can... it wasn't.