Central Park, Wood River, IL

Location: 633 N. Wood River Ave., Wood River, IL 62095

Website: https://woodriver.org/government/services/parks-recreation/public-parks/

Playground Ground Cover: Poured rubber and astroturf

This park has a bandshell, playground, and large activity center commonly referred to as the “Round House.”  This playground is very big with a 2 story play structure best suited for older kids. There is also some cool ninja equipment here on Astroturf. 

The playground has ramps, slides, interactive boards, floating steps, a steering wheel, and drums. 

Ninja course

There are 4 baby swings and 4 sling swings

Gentry Park, Bridgeton

Location: 4201 Fee Fee Rd., in Bridgeton, MO 63044

Amenities: Playground, picnic shelter, restrooms, nature trail, community center (with indoor pool), and outdoor aquatic center

Website: https://www.bridgetonmo.com/458/Parks

Playground ground cover: Astro turf

Gentry Park in Bridgeton was replaced in 2025, and I love the new astroturf flooring. It's mostly enclosed, but there are open spots without gates. The restrooms are close by and so is the parking lot. There is a large covered pavilion, but it's down a hill a little way. 

This 37-acre park is the home of the Bridgeton Community Center, Bridgeton Crossing Family Aquatic Park, and the Payne-Gentry Historical House. Hickory Woods Natural Area is a 10.5-acre tract adjacent to Gentry Park, which includes a 1-mile walking trail.

The playground is a short walk from the parking lot. 

The smaller play structure has ramps, slides, a pretend window, interactive boards, cable climbers, and a spinner.

The larger play structure has slides, ramps, interactive boards, a rock wall, and more. 

There is a we-go-round, a seated spinner, as well as musical instruments.

Up the path is a restroom building, the swings, and a cable tower climber.

There is one baby swing, one ADA-compliant swing, and four sling swings.