Meadow Park

Locals with kids of pretty much any age have a reason to come here — the play structures cover the full range from toddlers just figuring out their footing on the rubber surfacing to older kids taking over the climbing structure or basketball court. The musical equipment is a genuine hit, not just filler — watch a three-year-old discover the xylophone and you’ll see what I mean. There’s enough shade to actually sit comfortably while the kids do their thing, and the picnic tables make it easy to stretch a visit into most of an afternoon. The merry-go-round alone is worth mentioning, since those are getting harder to find. Springfield parks don’t always stay in great shape, but this one gets kept up well.