Being an avid frequenter of Front Park, I am happy to report that the old playground that was located at the far end of the park, by the truck entrance route, has been removed. In its place, an updated and heavily landscaped playground has been built closer to the park’s entrance (at Porter Avenue). With added visibility from the street, a wide array of new play amenities, and an overall aesthetic upgrade (also in close proximity to the soccer field), the playground has become a hotbed of activity, especially compared to the old far-removed features.
Front park has become a melting pot of West Side youth and their families who come to enjoy the soccer field. In the past there has been little else to draw people to the park, other than illicit activities due to the lack of people using the grounds.
Today that scenario is changing rapidly. The historic picnic shelter has been completely updated, with new landscaping surrounding it.
Landscaping work has also been added around the circle that surrounds the statue of Commodore Perry. Planted green features are also being added to the entranceway and the Peace Gardens. All in all, as work continues, and as we look forward to the removal of Baird Drive to enhance the connectivity of the park to the neighborhood, Front Park is finally getting some real love that it has required for decades.
If you’ve got kids, you should bring them over to check out the new playground. There are plenty of places to park, and lots of room to run around… it’s worth the trip if you live on the West Side. And don’t forget to visit the new Skate Plaza right down Porter Avenue at LaSalle Park while you’re in the area.
*Half the playground is recommended for children age 2-5, and the other side is suggested for 5-12 years of age.