Times Beach Memorial Playground

Yeah, this one comes with a story. Times Beach was once an actual town that had to be completely evacuated and demolished after dioxin contamination made it one of the most notorious Superfund sites in American history. Now there’s a playground sitting on that land, which is either a powerful symbol of reclamation or something that makes you stop and think twice — probably both. The site has been remediated, but knowing the history definitely adds a layer to your visit that most playgrounds don’t have. Worth knowing before you pack the snacks and head out.