Edgewater's Senn Park Nature Play Space Breaking Ground This Fall

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Edgewater · November 16, 2025

Edgewater families are eagerly anticipating a new natural playground experience as construction on the Senn Park Nature Play Space is set to begin this fall. After being selected as a winner in the 48th Ward's participatory budgeting process, the project has received $25,000 in funding thanks to Alderperson Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth and community voters.

Unlike traditional playgrounds, this innovative space will feature natural elements like logs, stones, and other materials that children can manipulate during play. The Chicago Park District's Nature Play Team has been working directly with Senn Park neighbors to design an area that supports hands-on nature experiences, with each element carefully selected to match the ecology of the site and community needs. The new play area will be located in a grassy section next to Senn Park's existing playground near the corner of Elmdale and Greenview avenues, joining other successful nature-focused play areas on the northside including Rogers Park's Leone Beach Park and West Ridge's Indian Boundary Park.

Residents interested in learning more about the project can view display panels at the Broadway Armory (5917 N Broadway) and share feedback by emailing comments to the project team. Families are encouraged to visit the park this winter to watch the transformation and participate in community planning sessions for this exciting addition to Edgewater's largest green space.

Sources:
1. https://ftcns.org/senn-park-nature-play-space/
2. https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/10/20/nature-play-space-planned-for-edgewaters-senn-park/
3. https://the48thward.org/blog/nature-play-space-community-engagement