About This Playground
🌳 Elm Creek Playground is part of the larger Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove, Minnesota, offering a vast play area with numerous modern play structures surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. It's known for its expansive design and integration with the park's other recreational facilities.
Visitor Experience: Elm Creek Playground consistently receives high ratings from visitors, with families particularly praising the variety of play equipment suitable for different ages, clean facilities, and the beautiful natural setting.>
More about this playground
Playground Type
Address
Unnamed Road, Maple Grove, MN 55369, USA
Coordinates
45.14153, -93.42775
Hours of Operation
Hours may vary during holidays. Please call ahead for confirmation.
Playground Features
Age Suitability
The playground is designed for children of all ages, with separate areas for toddlers (2-5 years) and older children (5-12 years).
Equipment Available
Features include multiple climbing structures, slides of various heights, swings (including accessible swings), spinners, balance beams, musical instruments, rope climbers, and nature-themed play structures.
Shaded Areas
Several shaded areas are available with mature trees surrounding portions of the playground and some canopied play structures.
Seating For Parents
Numerous benches are positioned throughout the playground area with good visibility of play zones, plus picnic tables in adjacent areas.
Restroom Availability
Clean restroom facilities are available near the playground area, operational during park hours.
Drinking Fountains
Multiple drinking fountains are available, including some with bottle filling stations.
Safety Accessibility
Fencing
The playground is not completely fenced but has natural boundaries and some partial fencing in strategic areas.
Surface Material
Features a mix of engineered wood fiber mulch and poured-in-place rubber surfacing in high-traffic areas.
Ada Accessibility
The playground includes accessible paths, ramps to play structures, and inclusive play equipment suitable for children with different abilities.
Cleanliness Maintenance
The playground is well-maintained with regular cleaning schedules, equipment inspections, and prompt repairs when needed.
Additional Amenities
Nearby Parking
Large parking lot with ample free parking spaces close to the playground entrance.
Pet Policy
Dogs are allowed in designated areas of the park but must be leashed and are not permitted in the playground area itself.
Bike Racks
Several bike racks are available near the playground entrance.
Nearby Food Options
Picnic areas with tables and grills are available. No permanent food vendors on-site, but occasional food trucks during summer months and special events.
Sports Areas
The larger Elm Creek Park Reserve includes athletic fields, disc golf, and courts for various sports.
Walking / Biking Trails Nearby
Extensive network of paved and natural trails throughout the park, connecting to regional trail systems.
Community Reviews
User Submitted Photos
Many visitors share photos showcasing the playground's creative design elements, natural setting, and their children enjoying the facilities.
Recent Reviews
Recent visitors frequently mention the playground's cleanliness, variety of equipment, and how it keeps children of different ages entertained for hours.
Crowd Levels
Moderately busy on weekends and summer days, but rarely overcrowded due to the large size. Weekday mornings tend to be quietest.
Special Events
The park hosts seasonal events including nature programs, holiday celebrations, and summer activity series for families.
User Experience
Entrance Fee
The playground is free to use, though the Elm Creek Park Reserve may charge vehicle entry fees during certain times of year.
Space For Groups
Ample space for groups with nearby reservable picnic shelters for larger gatherings and birthday parties.
Nature Connection
The playground is integrated into the natural environment with native plantings, nearby woods, and nature-themed play elements.
Noise Level
Moderate noise levels from playing children, but the spacious design and natural surroundings help mitigate excessive noise.
Aesthetic Design
Nature-inspired design with earthy colors that blend with the surrounding landscape, incorporating wood, stone, and natural materials.
Safety Regulations
Security Presence
Park rangers regularly patrol the area, with increased presence during peak times and special events.
Rules Restrictions
Standard playground rules apply including adult supervision requirements, no smoking, proper use of equipment, and age-appropriate play areas.
First Aid Availability
Park staff are trained in basic first aid, with emergency response procedures in place. Full first aid stations at main park buildings.
Community Interaction
Community Activities
Regular community events including nature programs, seasonal celebrations, and family-friendly activities organized by park staff.
Social Interaction
The playground design encourages cooperative play with equipment that multiple children can use simultaneously, creating natural opportunities for socializing.
Sustainability Environment
Eco Friendly Practices
The park employs sustainable landscaping practices, with native plant species, rain gardens, and environmentally friendly maintenance protocols.
Renewable Energy
Some solar-powered lighting and educational displays about local ecology and conservation efforts.
Walkability Bike Access
Well-connected to local trail systems with bike lanes and pedestrian paths leading to the playground from surrounding neighborhoods.
Reviews
Sarah Libby
5 months ago
A great fenced in playground area with lots of activities! Playground equipment made for toddlers to teens! The playground is a mixture of rubberized surfacing and wood chips. There is an area that contains sand but it’s to help uncover pretend dinosaur bones! There’s adaptive swings. A lot of different climbing structures and ropes to climb. There’s a variety of areas surrounding the playground to take a seat and have a break on a bench or picnic table and some are even covered and under the shade! The playground also has a water station to fill up your water or grab a quick sip. Lots of bike trails lead to the playground. The parking lot is large with lots of parking!
View on GoogleMichael Hecker - Park Reviewer
3 months ago
Inspired by this playground in May 2012, I incorporated similar equipment into Elk River parks during my tenure as Parks and Recreation Director from 2011 to 2024. Having assessed over 100 playgrounds, I highly regard this one. The main tower showcases "Miracle" commercial equipment, paired with "Kompan" rope-themed options. This expansive playground accommodates various age groups with diverse playsets, dinosaur dig areas and sloping terrain requiring suitable footwear. Picnic tables are plentiful, and bathroom facilities include waterless soap. This playground exemplifies excellence in playground design within the Twin Cities region.
View on GoogleSome Body
7 months ago
Large playground with a variety of activities for kids of varying age. When it's busy expect kids to wait awhile to try out the various slides, swings, and climbers. The slides on the big structure are all identical so it would have been nice to have a bit of variety. Some of the elements have a slight danger level to them such as the large yellow spinner that could fling kids off the top. Most of the play area is covered in the medium-hard foam that protects against modest falls, but there are plenty of drops and hard rocks.
View on GoogleChris Gohman
5 months ago
Pretty sweet playground for kiddos! There's a large older kid structure with a bunch of huge slides, a smaller kid playground, some "zip lines", a huge dinosaur dog sandbox, and some spiderweb climbing structures. There's tons to do, so expect to spend an hour at least. Bring some snacks or a lunch because they have some beautiful shaded picnic areas. You can walk to the nearby beach too (does cost $ to swim) when it's really hot. Highly suggest trying to go during off-peak hours as this place gets crazy busy. We've been trying to go right when it opens in the summer (9am) so we can enjoy for a few hours and go get lunch when it's packed.
View on GoogleSuzanna Annis
3 years ago
Multi level playground for kids of all ages. Toddlers and up. The playground is huge. There are so many areas, each with a different playset or activity for kids. One of the best parks I've ever seen. You can even do a dinosaur dig in the sand pit. Make sure you wear good fitting shoes as there are many slopes to walk on. There are also many picnic tables for families or get-togethers. There is a bathroom, but it is just a glorified outhouse with waterless soap and no sinks or changing tables. This is a playground we will be back to. Wish there were playgrounds like this when we were young.
View on Google