Sesquicentennial Park has a New Playground

The Des Plaines Park District’s Sesquicentennial Park, 255 Grove Avenue near Sherman Avenue, has a new ADA Accessible (American Disabilities Act) playground. The playground includes a play structure for two to five year olds and a separate structure for five to twelve year olds, both with age appropriate slides, climbers, and towers on an engineered wood-fiber safety surface. The equipment, installed by the Des Plaines Park District Parks Department, is designed to help kids stay physically fit in a challenging, creative, inclusive atmosphere.

The structure for younger children features an ABC climber, a twisted slide, a musical panel with drums, a covered shelter, and a built-in picnic table. The 5-12 year old play area includes a mini rock wall, a rope climber, multiple slides, a covered platform, and modern monkey bars. “The playgrounds are built to ensure minimal maintenance, while providing kids with an all over workout,” said Paul Cathey, Superintendent of Parks and Planning. “This kind of playground helps kids develop balance, coordination, and strength in an atmosphere where children of all abilities can play and grow together.” The park has also been outfitted with a new swing set that has two cut-proof belt swings, one-bucket swing, and an ADA compliant swing. A new picnic table in the play area and new benches along the walkway complete the playground.

Sesquicentennial Park sits on 4.5-acres with an expansive tree lined open space behind the playground. “We chose a deep pine green, woodland brown, and natural tan color palette for this playground, to complement the beautiful, rural environment,” said Cathey. Across the front, the park is framed by a Beaver Tail fence. “Residents in the neighborhood requested some kind of fencing as a safety precaution, at a community meeting during the planning stage,” said Cathey. “The fence is designed to help keep children from running out into the street.”

The original gazebo and picnic table are also being refurbished, including re-roofing and wrapping the existing posts in new wood. “We have already seen many parents and children enjoying the new playground,” said Cathey, “and we are certain that the park will be a great destination for the neighborhood.”

For more information about the Des Plaines Park District call 847-391-5700, or to see pictures of the new playground visit www.DPParks.org.