Nearby North Side Park Named Among 5 Best Playgrounds in Chicago

A nearby playground known for its heat-beating spray ground is getting a serious nod from critics.

Adams Playground Park, 1919 N. Seminary Ave. in next-door Lincoln Park has been named one of the five best in Chicago by CBS Chicago.

"The playground features numerous slides and an outdoor sprinkler system that is a great addition for the kids to splash around in," says CBS, to justify the choice. "There is an ultra large sandbox that is very well maintained, secured gates for freedom to let the kids roam and a park district house with bathrooms."

Read the full list from CBS Chicago. 

Established in 1902, Adams Park bears the name of attorney and Congressman George Adams and his wife Adele Adams. 

The Adamses gave the City of Chicago use of two-thirds of an acre of property in their Lincoln Park neighborhood as parkland. 

Placed under the jurisdiction of the city's Special Park Commission, on which George Adams served, Adams Park had playground apparatus, a shelter house, and sand court as early as 1904. 

In 1910, the Adamses gave the city full ownership of the property, according to the Chicago Park District.

By 1916, the Special Park Commission had added a playing field that was flooded in winter for ice skating. The city transferred Adams Park to the Chicago Park District in 1959. 

In 1997, the water play area, named for retired school teacher Dorothy Melamerson, opened. Melamerson provided funding for the children's water feature through a bequest in her will, officials have said.