Park Ratings

Each local park is rated on it's family friendliness.  The ratings scale is from 1-10 (1 is the lowest rating and 10 is the highest). Here are the five (5) family-friendly criteria:

1. Fun-Factor: This criteria shows how much fun children have at this park based on variety of activities the park has to offer.  A higher rating means the kids will be entertained for a a good length of time and will want to keep coming back again!
2. Park Upkeep/Cleanliness: This criteria reflects how well the park property is maintained: well cut grass, weed-free play area, emptied trash cans, litter-free, clearly marked parking spaces, clean benches and picnic areas, etc.
3. Bathrooms/Facilities: This criteria reflects (1) the quality and quantity of the restrooms (if they are plumbed they will get higher rating vs. outhouses or port-a-johns), (2) the presence of drinking fountains and (3) the quality of the pavilions/gazebos/picnic tables (a park gets a higher rating for having these facilities and for them being in good condition as well).
4. Seating for Parents: This criteria reflects the park having ample benches and/or picnic tables for parents to sit on as they watch their children play.  If the seating is in the shade, this is an added bonus!
5. Play Equipment: This criteria reflects the size, quality and innovativeness of the play structures: (1) Size: Larger and more play structures give the kids more options for play and will keep their interest longer.  (2) Quality: Newer or well-maintained structures are very pleasing to look at, are often safer and cleaner.  (3) Innovative play structures have added or new features that keep kids interested for a longer period of time.