Lowe Park
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.
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!
