Get relief from the heat at a Park District cooling center, or at a beach, pool, water playground or water feature. View sites & hours. Outdoor pools are now open for the season. For information on other City of Chicago cooling centers visit 311.chicago.gov. or call 311.
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The Chicago Park District is helping to reconnect children with nature in our city and the heritage of our parks by providing valuable outdoor space for communities in Chicago to have positive, hands-on experiences in nature. Spontaneous, self-guided nature play by children has a beneficial impact on their health, attention and stress levels.
Nature Play Spaces are designed for play with elements of nature that can be manipulated and moved. Each space is a collaborative community effort, unique to the ecology of the site and the needs of the residents of each neighborhood. Designing, planting, building, and caring for a Nature Play Space is an ongoing creative project that can be a rewarding multi-generational effort.
See below for more information, or contact us at natureplay@chicagoparkdistrict.com.
Nature Play Spaces
15 Facilities
Starting a New Nature Play Space
You may find it helpful to read through Reference Manual before beginning. In order to form a new Nature Play Space with the Chicago Park District, the following documents are required:
Nature Play Space Reference Manual
Nature Play Space Checklist
New Play Space Location Request
New Play Space Petition Form
Site Usage and Survey Form
Nature Play Letter of Commitment
Nature Play Volunteer Waiver