Greenway Elementary School Playground

We had SUCH a good time at Greenway Elementary. I was skeptical about whether Linus (age 2.5) would find much this playground age-appropriate, but we had a blast and will likely visit many other elementary schools on our tour.

This playground is great if you love trying different slides. There were at least 7 different slides and Linus spent a lot of good energy running from one slide to another. There are 3 separate play structures and another free-standing slide, so it's easy for a child to choose another area to play once they tire of one structure.

Like most schoolyards, this one has a big row of swings, but no baby swing. There might be a baby swing at neighboring Greenway Park, but we didn't get a chance to wander that way on this visit.

One feature of this playground that was special is a balance beam suspended on chains. It was a little above my tot's abilities to navigate this thing, but it was an attractive puzzle for him to figure out what to do with it. I can imagine he'll find it even more fun when he's a little older.

Next to the playground is a big soccer field. When we were done running around on the soccer field, there was a slight downhill slope leading onto a baseball field. This little slope seemed like the perfect place to teach Linus how to roll down a grassy hill. He giggled all the way down and then explored the baseball field. Running the bases is great fun and great exercise! By the time we circled back to the car, we were ready to get home and relax.

I highly recommend this playground, but I suspect similar fun can be found at any elementary school you just haven't explored yet.

Summerlake Park Playground

Summerlake Park has a lot to offer besides the playground, but this review focuses on the main playground. There's a smaller playground, sport courts, doggie park, and -- of course -- a lake that all add attraction to this park. The main playground is kind of in the middle of the whole park, and the best place to park for the playground is on Lakeview Terrace.

The play structure is a slightly dated wood and metal structure, compared to the newer plastic ones. However, it does get some shade, so the metal slides have not been too hot when we have played there. The play structure is easily accessible for all climbing levels.

For swings, there are two baby swings and a tire swing. The swings overlook the lake, which I find pretty pleasant when I'm doing the repetitive parent swing-pushing thing.

There are picnic tables next to the play structure and a big grassy area, making this a great play to have a playgroup or family gathering. This is a fun park that is worth a stop if you're in the neighborhood, and is worth a special trip if you combine it with a walk around the lake to look at ducks and birds.