Betty Russell Community Park {Gurnee}

My 3 kids and I love discovering new parks and places to play.  We’re willing to drive a good distance to reach a spectacular playground, but I just love it when we stumble upon something fantastic in our area.  That fantastic playground I’m alluding to today is the Betty Russell Community Park in Gurnee!  I must admit that I didn’t even know this park existed until a few weeks ago when I was writing up the LLC Facebook page suggestions for best tot lots.  We stopped by one day after a nearby doctor’s appointment and I’m so glad we did!

This park is perfect for my 3 kids (ages almost 4, 2.5, and 10 months) but would also be great for older children.  There are a variety of playground structures, swings, and interesting climbing apparatus to keep everyone entertained.  Betty Russell Community Park has other amenities, too!  There are basketball courts, a large sand volleyball court, tennis courts, skate park, soccer fields, softball fields, and access to a trail system.  And something I never take for granted these days: Real bathrooms!!

 There truly is something for everyone in your family at this wonderful play space! My 10-month-old daughter had a ball playing in the tot-sized maze which featured a foam-like surface.  She was able to crawl around and play while I easily kept an eye on my other children.  When it was time for a break, we headed over to the covered picnic shelters for a snack (another nice amenity).  I highly recommend making the trip to this great playground if you haven’t already!

Betty Russell Community Park
5300 Pinewood Rd., Gurnee
(just behind the old Stay 2 Play location)

Amenities: multiple sports fields/courts, picnic shelters, playground, trail access
Shade: some areas are shaded
Bathrooms:yes, real ones!
Good for: the whole family

Editor’s note: Pictures updated and playground profile added June 2015.