Carver Lake

Carver Lake Park has 2 playgrounds and I will review only the large upper playground since when we went, the lower playground's gate was locked.  This playground is up on the hill, past the pavilion down the main path from the large parking lot.  The address is 3175 Century Ave.  The park has a natural lake that is open for swimming (no lifeguard on duty).  Back to the play structure...

Here are the quick fact: 2 separate areas next to each other.  

2 big girl swings and 2 chair swings

7 Slides: 2 sets of double slides, 1 tube slide, 1 wavy slide, and 1 small straight slide

5 climbing structures

Rolling barrel

Monkey bars

1 picnic table (plus a pavilion close)

2 benches

A large rock to climb

Mulch base

Trees around about half the playground so it does get shady in the evenings

Off street parking

Sand volleyball court

Large grass area for running and playing tag

The Carver Lake park is a beautiful park with a small playing structure (above) and a much larger playing structure (1st picture).  It has a very open feel that is a short walk from the parking area so runners should be safe.  The large play structure has plenty of equipment to keep kids of all ages happy and occupied for hours.  A unique climbing rock is great fun for older patrons.  

The rock may be a temptation for younger children which may make moms and dads very nervous.  I have learned to avoid this playground on Saturday afternoons when family reunions or parties may be housed in the pavilion because the playground can get overrun with children.  Most other times, it is very quiet and has plenty of room for larger play dates.

Marsh Creek

Marsh Creek is a hidden gem at the corner of Radio and Lake in the woods behind the small historical white house.  To get to the park, you park in the parking lot near the small house and then take a paved trail through the marsh and up a small hill to the playground.  The address is: 8025 Lake Rd.

Here are the quick facts:
Cool Log cabin theme
1 baby swing, 2 big girl swings, and 1 chair swing
4 slides: 1 double slide, 1 wavy slide, and 1 tube slide
5 climbing structures
Horse rocker
1 picnic table
1 bench
No monkey bars
Mulch base
1 portable potty near the parking area

This park is nestled down a path which is nice for older kids or runners but can be difficult for younger children and those that are slow, like my daughter.  The park is usually very quiet and rarely has anyone else there.  This makes it a nice place for small play dates.  I have been to the park with multiple age children and all seem to enjoy it.  The park is surrounded by trees and a marsh area and you can see the houses in the adjoining neighborhood.

There is some chipping paint and a small amount of graffiti on the play structure.  

Overall we give Marsh Creek 4.5 out of 5 Popsicles!!

On a side note, the house and garden information is open as shown below.