New playgrounds at Minnehaha Park

The first news story I wrote for the Longfellow/Nokomis Messenger was about a playground at Wabun, a playground that would be the first Universally Accessible playground in the metro area. It was a big dream. Falls 4 All first had to raise $700,000, but they made it happen.

In late July 2014, the playground opened.

It's fantastic!

The theme of the playground is a traveler's rest area. Travelers used to stop and camp at Wabun back in the day. So there's an old-fashioned car that I can't hardly tear my 2-year-old boy away from. And a camper trailer that wobbles back and forth.

Instead of sand or mulch, the entire playground area is composed of a rubber substance (that's a bit smelly yet). It's so that those in wheelchairs or on crutches can maneuver easily. It's a deck structure that feels like a treehouse. There are two "tents" that the kids spent one whole afternoon hidden in, building "fires" and hanging out. There are a bunch of musical components.

One area is a water play area with buckets and water. And then there's the quiet area that has a wooden "hive" and is surrounded by wildflowers. Plus, there's a bank of swings.

The new playground replaces an old deck structure that was, quite frankly, pretty boring. We never went to play on it, and when we were there, we were the only ones. But now the new playground is packed. Everyone is out there.

I'd say this park is a winner!

PLUS
The playground over by the falls, pavilion and Sea Salt was also redone (North Plateau Family Play Area). I have to confess I wasn't too impressed when we walked up after having just been to the Universally Accessible playground over in the Wabun area. But it grew on me quickly.

It's not like today's playgrounds. That means there isn't a large, central, multi-story play structure. Instead, the playground area is full of single free-standing items, such as teeter totter and those animals you sit on that have springs.

The long row of swings remains, as does that tall metal climber.

I just love the rows of concrete animals where the Longfellow Zoo was once. It's a great place to visit when you head over for the free Music in the Park, held each Wednesday, Thursday and Friday throughout the summer months.