In an amazing collaboration between the Naperville Park District, Naperville Public Library, and Indian Prairie School District 204, south Naperville has opened its newest space for families: the 95th Street Community Plaza. The playground, splash pad, and bandshell make it an exciting new spot for family-friendly summertime fun. While the ribbon cutting ceremony for the 95th Street Community Plaza is on Thursday, July 16 at 4:00 pm, stop by any time to check out the features of this great space.
95th Street Community Plaza in Naperville
Playground
The playground at the 95th Street Community Plaza is nothing like I’ve ever seen. The literacy-themed play space has stairs made out of books and a boat made out of pages. A two-story slide and a smaller one for toddlers are can be accessed through a regular staircase, or one made out of thimbles and spools of thread.
A giant whale, and apple to climb on, and a slide made out of a tree trunk are more of the unique details that make it such an exciting space for kids to play.
Situated between the main playground and the splash pad is a large climbing web. Kids can test their strength and coordination by climbing on, around, and under this structure.
Splash Pad
The splash pad is open for visitors! Open daily from 9:00 am – 8:00 pm, guests will find geysers, spouts, sprays, and two dumping buckets. There is a lot of variety in the style/shape of the water sprays, which made it even more fun for kids to cool off. All of the features in the splash pad are spread out. Kids can run freely without worry of bumping into others.
A major perk: the splash pad is fenced in, making it easier to monitor little wanderers. Within the fence of the splash pad, there are benches and picnic tables for rest breaks. Best of all, admission to the splash pad area is always free!
Food
There is no food sold on the premises of the 95th Street Community Plaza, but there are a lot of family-friendly restaurants nearby at the corner of 95th Street and Route 59. Panera, That Burger Joint, and McAlister’s Deli are some of our favorites, but there’s also drive-through options like McDonald’s and Wendy’s. Pack a lunch from home or pick up a meal to enjoy at the picnic table area situated right next to the playground.
Bathrooms
There are public restrooms situated right next to the splash pad area. It includes men’s and women’s restrooms, as well as two family restrooms.
Recommended Ages
95th Street Community Plaza has fun for kids of all ages. My 18-month old loved walking through the smaller spouts in the splash pad. There was also the tree slide that he could climb the stairs for safely. My 6.5 and 5 year old loved running through the sprinklers, standing under the dumping bucket, and climbing on the web structure.
Stop in at the 95th Street Library
Our favorite part about this new space is its proximity to the 95th Street branch of the Naperville Public Library. Pair your visit with a stop in to check out some new books, or to sign up for their summer reading program. You do not need to have a Naperville Library card to participate.
Remember that currently, all toys have been removed from the library.
Upcoming Events
The bandshell at the 95th Street Community Plaza will surely be a spot for many family-friendly events. Select shows of their Childrens’ Lunch Hour Entertainment Series will take place at the 95th Street Community Plaza this summer. Check our events page for more kid-friendly events.
Looking for other new playgrounds? Here’s our roundup of new playgrounds in the western suburbs.
