My kids have a habit of naming places we frequent—so much so, that I’m often confused as to the official names of these places. Dulle Park, for example, is the Creek (stomping) Park and Weller Park is the Ladybug Park (named as such because one time, they saw a ladybug on the slides). In addition to confusing whomever is driving the kids to the day’s destination, these sites also become confusing when their nicknames no longer jive.
For example, Schappacher Park in Deerfield Township used to be The Old School Park due to its retro features and central roundabout (you know, the spinning platform with handles that could induce dizziness or a variety of more serious injuries), a tried-and-true classic that you just don’t see anymore—likely due to increased safety guidelines, but I digress.
We went to Schappacher Park on a recent sun-filled afternoon and were delighted that this once-retro playground had been given a makeover since our last visit. Gone were the classic single slide, four-person see saw, and rows of flimsy swings—the Deerfield Township park was now home to a massive spinning orb, whimsical tot lot, sprawling jungle gym with rope ladders and sinuous monkey bars in a perfect little 10-acre package. This park was now a card-carrying member of the 2020s, and while my kids and I mourned the loss of that whirling roundabout, we all agreed that Schappacher Park 2.0 was most certainly new and improved.
The only downside? My crew still refers to this playground as The Old School Park. Go figure.
Schappacher Park, 4686 Old Irwin Simpson Rd, Deerfield Twp.
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