Help us build a Nature Play Space at Shabbona Park

The Chicago Park District is helping to reconnect children with nature in our city and the heritage of our parks by providing valuable outdoor space for communities in Chicago to have positive, hands-on experiences in nature. Spontaneous, self-guided nature play by children has a beneficial impact on their health, attention and stress levels.

Nature Play Spaces are designed for play with elements of nature that can be manipulated and moved. Each space is a collaborative community effort, unique to the ecology of the site and the needs of the residents of each neighborhood. Designing, planting, building, and caring for a Nature Play Space is an ongoing creative project that can be a rewarding multi-generational effort.

The Road to getting a Nature Play Space at Shabbona

Last year in September of 2025 we had a pop-up Nature Play Space Event. We were able to gather feedback from neighbors to help plan out the features. From there we had people vote on what features they would like to see at the play space.

Current Nature Play Spaces at other Parks

Nature Play spaces have been installed at other parks around the city. Here's a few examples

Welles Park

Senn Park

Nature Play Space Fundraiser

Help us build a nature play space at Shabbona Park