Palatine Park District is responsible for 735 acres of open land in Palatine including 50 park and facility locations that are home to 30 playgrounds. The Parks Department inspects and maintains all of the playgrounds to ensure the District is offering safe places to play for the community. Two of the District’s staff members are Certified Playground Safety Inspectors through the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and an additional three staff members are certified playground inspectors through the Park District Risk Management Agency. All of the playgrounds are part of an overall District-wide equipment replacement schedule. Based on inspections and equipment condition, playgrounds are usually replaced every 14-16 years.
What’s Your Way to Play?
Two playgrounds, Hawthorne Park and Dove Park, are being replaced in 2018 and are slated to be open by the end of July. Palatine Park District conducted two “What’s Your Way to Play” surveys in Spring 2018, allowing the community to vote on playground equipment choices including slides, overhead climbers, deck climbers, panels, spring riders, freestanding play options, and overall playground colors. The elements chosen by the public were all incorporated into the final playground design at each park. Playground parties will be scheduled at each park to celebrate the completion of the projects.
Play it Safe on the Playground
Park district staff members work very hard to keep the playground equipment safe, but it is also the responsibility of parents and caregivers to help ensure a fun and safe play experience in the parks. The following tips are excellent reminders from Safekids.org:
- Actively supervise children on playgrounds.
- Check playgrounds where your children play. Look for hazards or equipment issues and report them.
- Teach children that pushing, shoving or crowding while on the playground can be dangerous.
- Dress appropriately for the playground. Remove necklaces, purses, scarves, or clothing with drawstrings that can get caught on equipment and pose a strangulation hazard.
- Helmets are always recommended for bike riding, but shouldn’t be worn on the playground because they can get stuck in the equipment.
- Little kids can play differently than big kids. Ensure that children use age-appropriate playground equipment.
- Beware of hot surfaces on equipment and on the ground.
- Always wear shoes on the playground.
If you have any questions about Palatine Park District playgrounds, or if you would like to report any issues you notice in our parks, call 847-705-5140 or fill out our District Feedback form.