Ever since I heard about a new Schaumburg Park District nature playground in the works, I seriously could not wait. Then when I heard it finally opened up, I couldn’t help but grab the kids, pack a lunch and GO! It’s definitely worth the drive if you aren’t from the area. And this Saturday, April 22 (fittingly on Earth Day!), you and the family can attend their grand opening celebration.
If you go
Bison’s Bluff
1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg
Kids will have tons of fun exploring the acre nature playground that was designed so that they can be engaged in active and passive play in a natural setting. They’ll climb through the multi-tiered treehouse, sift through rocks using the multi-level tables, follow the stream that flows around the park or play a tune on the gigantic chimes. If they are looking for a little quiet time, it’s easy to take a seat on a tree stump and challenge each other to a game of checkers, or spend time in a little nook underneath the treehouse.
Parents, you’ll notice there are signs to encourage a little learning while playing. Kids can follow the different footprints and try to guess what animal it came from, and while there are elements of regular neighborhood parks such as slides and climbing features, they blend in more with the natural landscape.
The goal in creating the park is to inspire today’s youth to remain active, develop agility, learn resilience, discover the benefits of cooperation and experimentation, solve problems and learn to navigate the world around them confidently. And I have to say, the park has exceeded all expectations. A job well done, indeed!
The nature playground couldn’t have been placed in more an ideal location. Located on Spring Valley’s 135 acres, you’re surrounded by nature, including more than three miles of trails, a nature center and a historical farm with animals. You can easily spend the whole day here. And what’s even better is that everything is FREE! It doesn’t get much better. Add this park to your must-do list. You won’t be disappointed!
Grand opening details
When: April 22, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Details: The Park District will be keeping the event simple, since they are expecting most attending families will simply want to use the play area.
The event will start with a formal dedication with Park District officials and a ribbon cutting at around 10:30 a.m. The play area will be closed that morning until the ribbon cutting.
Besides exploring the park there will be other fun things to do:
– Build a birdhouse with Prairie Woods Audubon Society.
– Help plant native wildflowers near the play area.
– Enter raffles for prizes.
– Enjoy food and beverages for sale.
Read more about our park adventure (with tons of pictures) here.
