Brands Park

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2022-06-30

The playground at Brands Park is an accessible and solid playground with two main play structures and the standard set of swings. There is a small play structure for younger children and a much larger structure for older children. Several slides and platforms of the larger structure are accessible via a ramp built into the hillside making this somewhat accessible. There are also a few overhead elements - a variation on monkey bars and an overhead slider - attached to the larger play structure. The swings are standard (toddler, adaptive, and belt seat) and there are a few 'vehicles on springs' near the smaller structure. The amenities here are somewhat above average. There are benches and picnic tables within the fully enclosed play area and the main play surface is soft rubber. The Brands Park fieldhouse is quite close and provides access to bathrooms (when the building is open). Although there are some trees near the playground, the play area itself tends to be bright and sunny. All in all, this is a solid playground with some great amenities.

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2022-10-26

This is one of the best parks in Chicago. Amazing baseball diamonds. Softball leagues play here. Tennis courts that are maintained and in great condition. Plenty of area to walk around. Awesome staff on site that are always eager to help you with anything. Cool dolphin statue in front which is great for photos. Wonderful place.

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2024-10-16

Small local park that could use seriously better management. Recently discovered their supervisor resigned, which explains the lackluster afterschool staff. The park itself is in fair condition except for overgrown tree roots which have created hazzards in the playspace that need to be addressed. The area needs professional resurfacing and is at present a very real safety risk. The after school park staff so far this school year seem poorly trained (they clump, do not have sufficient activity to keep children invested, & and there seems to be very little structure or supervision). The staff seems trained to deflect any complaints of inappropriate behavior (violence, cursing, hand gestures etc.) from their students by saying not all the kids are with them, which is strong evidence of poor leadership. As an educator it is really sad to see this failure to attend to their kids (the teachers at Linne & Merlin seem able to manage their classrooms expertly when they visit, it looks like training problems or staffing problems with the park district as they just let them do anything without intervention). I am seeking resolution to these issues.