How We Rate Our Parks

Now, you're probably asking yourself: "How do they rate these parks anyway?" or "What's the difference between a 5 and a lowly 1?" Well, this page should provide some answers to your questions. As with any rating system, there is a certain degree of subjectivity, so don't take our ratings personally if your favorite park scores low on our scale. The most important factor any parent should consider is whether or not your kid has good, safe time! We also encourage folks to take advantage of the link at the bottom of each park listing to submit a review to tell us why a given park deserves a higher score.

Our Rating System 1 Rather Have My Kids Play in the Backyard! 2 OK, But Only in a Pinch. 3 Nice, But Pretty Ordinary 4 Very Nice! Always 1st or 2nd Choice 5 Outstanding! Not to be Missed

Criteria

Each of the parks listed on MilwaukeeMoms.com receives a rating from 1-5 based on specific criteria that mothers and fathers we spoke with considered important. That's what makes our directory special. When you pick a park from our directory, you'll know exactly what to expect before you click the first strap on a car seat.

Parks are scored using the following criteria:

Overall Safety: Safety factors include presence of rubber or sand flooring under playgyms and swings, plastic equipment construction and the absence of hard surfaces, such as concrete or asphalt, in common play areas.

Restroom Access: Kind of speaks for itself, and it's obviously a significant consideration when you've still got kids in diapers, a toddler who's potty training or you've just drank too much coffee with breakfast!

Equipment Quality: We look at the age of playgym equipment, its construction and, quite simply, whether or not there's enough built into the design to hold a kid's attention and encourage lots of good, safe play.

Proximity to Businesses: Hey, it's tough enough loading the kids into the car to venture out to a park. Having the opportunity to accomplish a few errands in the process can be key to a great outing. Parks that score high in this category are located within 1-2 miles of retail and other businesses.

Age Dependency: Not all play gyms are created equal. High scoring parks offer play areas with a variety of equipment that caters to a wide spread of ages, but provides a real opportunity for kids under 4 to enjoy using playgym areas and equipment under close adult supervision.

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HEY! Where's My Park? Our database of great parks is meant to grow and grow and grow with your additions! If you don't see your favorite park, use the link below to submit it for FREE!