Playgrounds have reopened after closures during the stay at home order. Please remember to keep social distance while at the playground. Playgrounds are not sanitized, so please use your own judgement as to whether they are a good option for your family. Amenities like bathrooms and water fountains may not be available due to current restrictions.
This profile of Southeast Area Park is part of our Summer Series: Tuesday Playground Profiles
Each week Ann Arbor with Kids is profiling a different playground in the Ann Arbor area including Ann Arbor, Saline, Ypsilanti, Dexter, etc. Today we are profiling Southeast Area park located at the intersection of Platt and Ellsworth.
Southeast Area Park
Southeast Area Park‘s address is 2901 E. Ellsworth Rd. It is in the northwest corner of the Ellsworth and Platt intersection.
Location: 2901 E. Ellsworth Road
Unique Features: Two Structures, Roller Slide, Missing Tire Swing
Swings: Yes, 6 regular, 2 buckets (2 regular/2 buckets at the structure closest to Ellsworth Rd, and 4 regular at the other structure). There used to be a tire swing.
Surface: Woodchips
Bathrooms: Yes, there are seasonally operated bathrooms
Shade: The playground is fairly sunny. There are picnic tables in the shade by the smaller playground (closer to Ellsworth) and a pavilion near the larger playground
Pavilion: Yes a small pavilion is available
Sports Fields: 2 Softball/Baseball fields (with lights), and a basketball court
Walking Trails: There are some pathways around Southeast Area Park, but they are sunny and in the open.
Parking: There is ample parking in the lot unless there is a big event or multiple sporting events.
Pokémon Go: There are several Pokéstops and a Gym at Southeast Area Park.
Ad:
Southeast Area Park Playground Review
Southeast Area Park is the first playground that I began taking my daughter to when she was a toddler. The structure closer to Ellsworth was a good starting structure for her (although Lillie Park is in the same area and has a smaller structure for little ones). Southeast Area holds an advantage through since they have swings. The smaller structure offers short side-by-side slides. My daughter loved playing with the spinners on the structure. With steps instead of a ladder and a stable bridge, it is easy for toddlers to reach the entire structure.
The larger structure at Southeast Area Park includes a Zip Line and a Roller Slide. My daughter loves Roller Slides. We actually discovered the roller slide on this trip since we mostly used the smaller playground when she was younger.
Southeast Area Park was largely created with recycled materials:
- Recycled plastics on both play structures and picnic benches
- Old Athletic Shoes form the surface of the basketball court
- Recycled Aluminum for the bleachers at the softball diamond
Our one disappointment at Southeast Area Park is the missing tire swing. My daughter loved the tire swing. It was missing when we visited in March and again last week, so I’m guessing it might be gone for good.
Have you visited Southeast Area Park’s playground? Do you have any additional comments?
