Central Park, Maplewood

Location: Bounded by Walter and Elm Aves, Maplewood, MO 63143

Website: https://www.cityofmaplewood.com/government/departments/maplewood_local_parks___amenities.php

Playground Ground Cover: Astroturf

This is a long, skinny neighborhood park, and the playground takes up most of it. It was replaced in late 2024 and is completely fenced-in and gated. There is a toddler area with several activity boards, benches, covered picnic tables, and an area for bigger kids. 

The playground has a large webbed climbing structure, slides, tree stumps, a pretend window, and several hammocks. The playground has a treehouse theme and is a nice improvement over the old one. 

South County YMCA Playground, South County

Location: 12736 Southfork Rd., St. Louis, MO 63128

Playground Ground Cover: Poured Rubber

Website: https://gwrymca.org/locations/ymca-adaptive-sports-complex

This playground was opened in mid-2024.  The Gateway Region Y partnered with Cardinals Care, Boniface Foundation, and Miracle League for the construction of the Y Adaptive Sports Complex on the campus of the South County YMCA. The complex features a barrier-free dugout, synthetic turf field, accessible field & walking track, and an accessible sensory-rich playground. They also have a spectator pavilion and concession stand.  This playground is open to the public, I called to verify and anyone can use it. There's no lock, it's just a standard chain link fence and gate.  The only caveat is that the public can't use the playground when the YMCA Campers are using it, they will ask you to leave to protect the kids. 

The entire playground is enclosed with a fence and a gate. It's very sunny with not much shade. I didn't see any restrooms, I don't know if the Y would let you in to use theirs but it's close to Tesson Ferry if you needed to find a restroom. 

Musical instrument area

Rolley slides are so fun! 

I love these adaptive merry-go-rounds

The play structure has ramps, maze/activity boards, slides, and lots of things to climb on. 

They have a baby swing, an adaptive swing, and 2 sling swings.

The Heights Playground and Outdoor Classroom, Richmond Heights

Location: 8001 Dale Ave, Richmond Heights, MO 63117

Website: https://www.richmondheights.org/departments/parks___recreation_cooperative/facilities___parks/parks/index.php

Playground Ground Cover: Astroturf

This playground is amazing! It includes an outdoor nature classroom. Here is a wonderful article about all the features and benefits of Nature Classrooms. There are now several in the St. Louis area! In addition to this one, here's a list of the other Nature Classrooms:

• The Green Center in St. Louis, MO
• Kids International Early Childhood Center in Ellisville, MO
• Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, MO
• Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit, MO
• Towne Park in Foristell, MO
• Anne O. Albrecht Nature Playscape in Forest Park 

You can also swim here. Here's that post. 

The large playground has many activities including rock walls, a balance beam, various poles and bars, slides, and more.

The playground is at the back of the Heights

 The outdoor classroom has several areas: building, movement, gathering, nature art, messy play, and climbing. 

                                          

                              

 Messy play area complete with sandpit

Looks like they're redoing the gathering area. 

 Nature Art Area

Building area

                              

                                           

                              

                                            

                                

                                

This playground is completely enclosed with a fence and a locking gate.

 Several covered picnic benches and a cute butterfly bench

 Steering wheels and pretend window

 Balance beam and several boulders to climb on

 3-story play structure with slides, rock wall, and many bars and poles

Small play structure with slides, a xylophone, and bars and poles

This rock has a spout of water that comes out

 Floating steps

"A large variety of activities are planned throughout the year at the Nature Explore Classroom including birthday parties, stories in the park, tree scavenger hunts, insect hunts, and camouflage adventures to name just a few. The classroom is completely fenced and parents have commented on how safe they feel letting their children play within the area knowing there is only one unlocked gate. Designed for children 2 to 12 years of age with adult supervision, there are boundless opportunities to explore and create in this magical space."