Loni Cohen

This is not just a pool. This is summer, in all it's glory. This is a nod back to the days where families got together to grill and enjoy a family style meal together on the pavilion. This is wiffle ball in the field where everyone is included. This is diving in the deep end for the first time and having the other kids cheer for you. This is kids lighting up with the biggest smiles and cheers when they see a friend come through the door. This is sharks and minnows in the deep end then racing off for another game of gaga ball, or tennis, or air hockey... it doesn't really matter as long as we do it together. This is lifeguards that the younger kids look up to as role models that become babysitters because they start to feel like family and you can't quite let them go when the summer ends. And when it ends, you take with you the memories, the swim lessons, and a countdown to the days of summer when you can finally get back to the pool.

The new Blandair Park North playground is fantastic for all ages. The playground is entirely fenced in and double gated for the safety of its littlest visitors. There are four shaded picnic tables and benches throughout the park to rest and/or enjoy a snack. The playground has many accessible activities for all abilities, including a rocking pirate ship, swings, and merry go round. There are bathroom facilities and fountains just outside the gated playground, by the large parking lot. My kiddos had a blast and already can't wait to go back!