Chatlain Park — Attraction in Merriam

I feel like this needs two types of review: one for walkers, one for cyclists.

If you're a cyclist, 5/5. Good resting spot, the fountain has never been broken in my experience.

For anybody else, the fact that the park is geographically in a basin means that drainage is just never enough in storm. Water stands in the open grass. It also used to be deafening if a train went by and blew its horn, but Merriam has put a stop to that. The engine and cars are still not great to hear.

As part of all the Streamway Trails project, it's a top-tier stop regardless. It's a short walk down the path to where you may see fish, and at dawn/dusk there's plenty of insects and frogs/toads to listen to.

Just wish there were two shelters, so that people uninvited to the party could sit down less awkwardly.

From June to mid September, give that water fountain 60 seconds to cool down. It sits in the sun and that thin steel...

Pros: Excellent location on the trail, and nice expanse of grass to play on. Has a nice shelter.

Cons: they tore out the traditional jungle gym that kids of all ages loved, and replaced it with rope climbing structure with one slide. It's ok for older kids, just don't expect your 3-4 year olds to enjoy it. Stick with the old tried and true playgrounds! Also, if you go on a weekend morning, you can expect the park to be trashed from the birthday party the night before. People who rent the shelter often have little to no respect for the park and leave litter everywhere. That and the city does little to ensure that the patrons clean up after themselves (not that they should have to, but...

This park is close to my usual travel path so I want to love it, but unfortunately find it fairly forgettable. This park mainly seems to function as a rest stop along the Turkey Creek walking/ bike trail. The bathroom is a permanently installed porta-potty. The playground includes a poorly designed climbing structure with a slide that is usually covered in muddy rainwater. My children ages 5-10 normally can’t get enough of anything that allows them to climb, but typically last about 10 minutes at this park before...