When Brynn Baker asked her 6-year-old, Ever Jones, if he was ready to leave the playground, his answer came almost instantly: No.
Even flushed and out of breath, Ever darted back for one more trip down the slide at the new playground on the campus of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park.
“I’m going to have a hard time getting him to leave,” said Baker, 42, of Grand Boulevard. “But I’m really glad to see him play, use his imagination and connect with other kids, too.”
Ever was one of dozens of children and parents making the most of everything the playground had to offer Saturday morning, the second day the center was open to the public.
The playground is one of several attractions on the grounds — but by far the most popular among children. The large nature-inspired playground includes slides, swings, tunnels and a rope course.
Ever was partial to the slides and swings.
But parents said they were grateful their children now had a safe place to play.
Chicago native Veneca Coulanges, who grew up in Roseland, said she often visited the nearby park as a child. But as she got older, she said crime began pushing children out and the space no longer felt safe.
Coulanges, who now lives in Florida, said she was glad her daughters would have a different experience than she had growing up when they visit.
“It’s a gift to the South Side,” said Coulanges, 42. “This used to be a scary place. To see it transformed like this is incredible.”
The grounds drew plenty of tourists, but locals said they would be the ones who would fully take advantage of the space.
Ramon Paredes said his 5-year-old daughter, Valentina, is often full of energy, and playing outside is the best way for her to burn some of it off. But Paredes, who lives in Woodlawn, said he often worries about his daughter’s safety and is sometimes hesitant to take her to public parks.
“It depends on which part of the town you are, which part of the neighborhood,” said Paredes, 44. “I’m worried about finding needles on the ground, or wary about who’s at the park hanging out.”
When he arrived at the playground on the grounds of the presidential center, he said he was instantly put at ease.
“I hope this will always be a safe space for kids to be kids,” he said.
Veronica Simmons, who was at the playground keeping an eye on her grandson, agreed and said children “need somewhere to go” where they can feel safe and free from danger.
She said the Obamas provided that by creating a space where families can gather and children can have their fun.
“It’s been a joy being here,” said Simmons, 59, of Chatham. “They can just be kids. Even parents are enjoying being here.”
While playing, Simmons said her grandson, Omari Simmons, has been able to interact with children of different ages and backgrounds — something she said isn’t always possible in Chicago.
“Here we can all come together as one and get along,” she said. “Here it doesn’t matter where you come from. All that matters is that you’re having fun.”
Simmons said she believes that was former President Barack Obama’s intention, and that he succeeded in achieving it.
“He’s left something beautiful for us,” she said.
