Iowa Mama Plays: Recent Episodes
binSpire LLC, Hanna Hinrichsen
Each week, I’ll post an overview of a park, playground, or play space in the Cedar Rapids, IA area. I’ll also be throwing in some other play-related content like gift guides and information about upcoming kid events!
Spring is here, and I don’t know about you/your kids, but our household is ready to get outside and PLAY! We made our first park visit of the year this morning; it was a little chilly, but the kiddos had fun!
First up, Lowe Park in Marion. We love this park because (for us) its super easy to get to, we usually end up going to this park the most!
*Image via Cassie Brown*
Parking: The part of the park where the play area is located is not a thru street, which makes it very nice having very little traffic. There are several parking spaces near the play area, with an overflow lot a little further down the road, I believe.
Features: There is a nice sidewalk that goes around the play area which can serve as a nice “boundary line” for kids playing. There are also several benches around the sidewalk which is nice. Lowe Park is more than just the play area, it is a large park and there is a large walking path that goes through it, too. The trail goes near the play area (but far enough away that curious kids don’t wander).
Bathrooms: There are nice bathrooms available right next to the play area, as well as drinking fountains. The bathrooms weren’t open yet when we were there, they had a sign on the door that they were closed for the season. I would expect them to be open soon though.
Surface: Rubber surface under all play areas! All walking/parking areas are hard surface.
Accessibility: This playground is accessible to everyone! There are ramps to enter the play structure, as well as accessible swings, and restrooms.
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Images via Cassie Brown
Toddler Friendly?: Yes! This is one of the more toddler friendly parks we like to visit! With there being lots of ramps it is easy for new walkers, or more timid toddlers, to still enter the play structure without climbing. There are also two child swings available for the smaller ones. The best toddler feature is the playhouse. It does have steps but it is a small house and has a small slide as well as other features that are designed especially for toddlers.
Shade: There is no natural shade, however, much of the play structure is covered and there is a sun sail. There is also a large pavilion close by.
Picnic-ability: There are a few picnic tables near the play area. Nearby is a large pavilion with many more picnic tables available. I believe this can also be rented out for events, etc. through Marion Parks & Rec.
Pros: Great park with something for everyone and lots of room for kids to run and play! We’ve even been at Lowe Park when it has been VERY busy and the play area still didn’t seem terribly crowded! Love the play surface and low traffic! I feel like its designed well with grassy areas between the road and parking to keep kids safer.
Cons: Although I feel it’s a good park for the little ones, there are still several areas that they need to be watched extra close. As with any park, there are some falling hazards and toddler area won’t keep their attention for very long.
Shout out to contributing author, Cassie Brown, for the first post of the season!
Wapsi park playground features two play structures, one smaller and one larger, swings, high/low bars, a pavilion, AND it’s nestled in the state park with plenty to explore.
Thomas Park features a large play structure, a smaller play structure, swings, a sandbox, a splash pad, and more!
Bloomsbury Farm features a huge “Super Slide,” pumpkin picking, tire swings, a “corn palace,” a giant jumping pillow, lots of photo ops, and more! I recommend checking out their website for all the current offerings.
Today I'm giving my overview of Tucker Park located at 101 B Ave. in Hiawatha, IA. This park features a splash pad, two different sizes of playground structures, two pavilions, and some nice shady picnic spots.
Today I’m giving my overview of Morgan Creek Park located at 7212 E Ave NW in Cedar Rapids, IA. This park features 3 really cool-looking play structures in different sizes. There’s a small play structure for 2-7 year olds, and a medium and huuuuuge play structure for 5-12 year olds.
In this short trailer episode, I'll tell you about what I'm planning to do with this blog and podcast!