(4 votes, average: 4.25 out of 5)
Loading...Franklin Park is one of the larger parks in Prairie Village, KS. It has been recently renovated and updated. It is usually busy and can get crowded on nice days and weekends. It has a very large open space, 1 baseball field, exercise track, play equipment, large covered shelter with cooking grills, ample parking, and restrooms.
Play Equipment
The play area is very large. It includes:
- 2 large, separate climbing structures
- One is larger
- 1 large slide
- Small slide
- Monkey Bars
- Swinging monkey bars
- Balance bridge
- Standing peddle activity
- “Rock” climbing ladder
- Rubber chips underneath
- One is shorter – for the younger kids
- 1 small slides
- Tunnel
- Rubber chips underneath
- 2 regular swings
- 2 toddler swings
- Large sandbox
- Space ship to climb in for imaginative play
- 3 ride-on toys
- Large covered area with picnic tables, grills, and restrooms
- Water-fountains
- Restrooms are located near this area
Nature Stream
With the new renovations, a eco-friendly stream was added near the playground. It was supposed to be used as a place for kids to play in the water and learn about nature. They also placed a large sandbox next to the stream. However, the one thing that clogs the stream filter system….sand. Not sure who was in charge of the planning?!? How can kids resist putting sand into water? We are thinking that moms must not have been consulted in the design. J As of now, the stream has been turned off and the sandbox has been replaced with woodchips. We are not sure if it will be re-opened this summer. It was such fun for the kids to play in – we hope it returns. The area near the stream is still nicely shaded with great logs for sitting and having a picnic.
Exercise Track
There is a newly refinished, long flat track that circles around the park. The path is perfect for kids learning to ride bikes or parents wanting to take a nice run. The track circles the entire park, so we would not recommend letting your kids bike around the park while you stay at the play equipment. There are areas where you could not see them. You also have to be cautious about the traffic – parts of the track are close to busy roads.
Covered Shelter
There is a large full-covered shelter separate from the play equipment. It has:
- Multiple tables
- 2 grill stations
- Restrooms and water fountains close to the shelter
This is great for renting. It is separate closer to the play equipment, so it would be great for entertaining the kids, but no so good if you want a quieter environment.
Open Space and Baseball Field
Parts of these areas are closer to the road so you do need to watch the younger ones. However, there are also areas which are far from the road – great for a picnic or playing ball. These open areas are often used by teams for practice or games. So, you may have to move to a different spot or beware of this after school or on the weekends.
Insider tips
- This park can get very busy – especially on weekends and nice days
- Great neighborhood park – perfect for picnics
- Lots of young families – great place to meet other mom’s and dad’s
- If the stream does re-open – bring an extra change of clothes for the kids. They can get very wet!
