by When I decided to write articles and then a book honoring and ranking the best parks and playgrounds in Berea and Brook Park, I knew it would be a large undertaking, but one with plenty of fun involved. I quickly learned I was correct as Berea and Brook Park combined to have some of the nicest parks on the West Side. Little did I ever think it would actually get published into a book form, but here we are – Northeast Ohio’s Best Parks and Playgrounds: Vince McKee: 9798896831068: Amazon.com: Books
As a high school sportswriter, I am gone a lot between the months of late August and the very end of May; this makes me value summertime more than I can ever begin to explain. Having a vibrant wife along with two healthy and energetic children makes my summers a lot of fun, filled with wonderful memories.
A few years back my family made the resolution to try and go to as many local playgrounds as possible each summer. In Northeast Ohio, you must make the best of the nice weather because you never know how long you’re going to have it for, and my family does just that!
As we began going to all of these playgrounds, I began to notice some were much better than others and also realized that it was smart to make notes in case we came back. Most of these notes were simple things such as the bathroom situation and if there were any places parents could sit in the shade and still have a clean vision of where their kids were.
Some parks were clean; some, not so much. Some offered indoor plumbing, and others didn’t. I learned to greatly appreciate the nice soft rubber some have for their ground and begin to disdain that nasty mulch wood mix most use. Was the park easy to find, and once we arrived, was there enough to do? These were all things I looked out for.
All these items may seem small, but adding them up and sometimes assigning grades helps you plan your visit.
Some were pleasant surprises, such as Grannis in Fairview, and others may have been a bit of a letdown, such as Skip Park in Stow. Each summer we rank them from best to worst and instantly start planning for the next year. This led to the inspiration of this book, as I wanted to help out as many parents as I could. If you want to spend time outside with your kids, then I want to help you! I hope everyone not only enjoys the book but also finds it helpful.
YOU CAN PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE – Northeast Ohio’s Best Parks and Playgrounds: Vince McKee: 9798896831068: Amazon.com: Books
Here are the parks that stood out the most in Berea and Brook Park, two of our favorite cities to explore!
Brook Park
Wedo Park
Location
16273 Shelby Dr Brook Park, OH 44142
About the park
Wedo Park in Brook Park was a huge hit with my family as it is a smaller playground area with just one playset, but it offers plenty to do for kids of all ages. It has tunnel slides, bridges to cross, monkey bars and just a whole lot of fun!
Access to the park
Easy to find, plenty of room to park. Not much more needed than that!
Things to do
Basketball court
Walkthrough bridges
Tunnels
Canopy tops
Monkey Bars
Straight slides
Tunnel slides
Curvy slides
6 deep swing set with two bucket slides
Chain wall to climb
Places to sit
There is a large pavilion about 10 feet north of the playset you can sit under and stay either dry or out of the sun. Also, there is a small bench located right next to the playset.
Ground
Wood mulch
Bathroom
None to speak of, one of the few drawbacks.
Best part of the park
The giant playset is something little kids dream of.
John Bernath Park
Location
1376 Holland Rd, Brook Park, OH 44142
About the Park
It is a nice park, some highlights included the Dinosaur and two different playsets. It did have a few drawbacks however such as lack of parking, tons of rust and no bathrooms.
It has a few places to sit in the shade, which was nice, however most of the equipment was covered in rust and bird poop which is always a drawback. Also, only being a few feet away from a giant electrical tower, was a bit unnerving as well. The two playsets were by far the highlight, including the Dinosaur walk ramp and the really neat Rockwall.
In fact, the rock wall was different than any one we had ever seen before. Plenty of slides and opportunities for fun! Overall, the lack of bathroom and parking with the sizable rust and bird poop, make this one difficult to feel comfortable. If you stick to the playsets and swing sets and you should be ok.
Access to the park
Not good as you have to park on a side street and hope to God you don’t get side swiped.
Things to do
6 seat swing set with 4 regulars and 2 buckets
2 playsets, 1 large, 1 small
1 tunnel slide, 2 swirly slides, 1 triple slide, 2 normal
Monkey bar set
2 rock walls
Bouncy bridge
Monkey bar rings
1 jungle gym
Dino Structure to climb
Places to sit
A few benches close to the playsets, but both covered in rust.
Ground
A nice mix of grass in the large areas, and then mulch in the playset areas.
Bathroom
None to speak of
Best part of the park
It is such a cool looking park with the giant Dino set and then the tower in the background. A true neighborhood park.
John F Kennedy Park
17095 Sylvia Dr, Brook Park, OH 44142
About the park
Despite a rustic feel, there was still plenty to do and my family enjoyed it. We had our dear friends join us for this one as well, so we were able to make the most out of a longer stay. It is a large enough park to get everything in. As for the playground across the grass by the abandoned school,, DO NOT GO THERE! It’s destroyed.
Access to the park
There is a large abandoned middle school right by it, which allows for a ton of parking.
Things to do
Two huge playsets, sets of swing sets with toddler and big kid options. Several slides and gliders as well. Again, while not in the best shape, it was still safe and the purple and yellow color scheme looked new and fresh on the one set. As for the green one, well, you just have to enjoy it for what’s it’s for.
Again, plenty of slides, a large variety of things to do and more than enough room to work with. Also, a rather large parking lot and giant-sized pavilion to cover up from the rain or extreme sun if need be.
Places to sit
Large pavilion, perfect for picnics!
Ground
Some mulch, some grass depending on which playset you choose.
Bathroom
They have one but it is disgusting with no door on the boy’s room stall. So, unless you like taking your numbers two with an audience, you may be in trouble here.
Best Part of the park.
Honestly, it wasn’t great but, the simple fact that there was so much to do made it a worthwhile trip. There is variety, and if you can look past the traditional Brook Park rust, it is worth it.
McGovern Park in Brook Park
Location
6772 Middlebrook Blvd, Brook Park, OH 44142
About the Park
We quickly realized that this park was in need of some serious TLC and had seen better days. However, despite the cosmetics, lack of parking, and obvious wear and tear, this park was great and my daughters had a blast! I recalled going there over 30 years ago as a kid, and it brought back a lot of fond memories. We felt at home there and had the park all to ourselves.
This playground had all the access, and if you were there at the right time, you could even catch a real live train flying by. Despite no parking lot, the playground is so far away from the street, that safety is not a concern at all. It had numerous slides and plenty of things to climb on and under. It had my personal favorites too, the tunnel slides!
One drawback was rust, rust and more rust. Mixed in with the perfect amount of chipped paint, and some more rust. If you get past that, you’re good to go. We also saw a dirty diaper under the one slide. There are plenty of benches, but the problem remains the rust on the benches, and their location directly in the sun with no shade. On the plus side however, the playground and the benches are set up perfectly so you can see everything you need to see all at once. Also, they have a great pavilion area still in working order.
Access to the park
Well, it is easy to find, sure, but there is no parking. You have to park on the street and when you have little ones, that is not the most ideal.
Things to do
1 double slide
1 straight slide
2 tunnel slides and 1 windy slide
6 deep swing set
Bouncy bridge
Roller slide
Monkey bars
A tunnel connecting both sides of the playset
Places to sit
There are several benches near the playset but they are covered in rust and will hurt your butt and back after about 3 minutes. So, you may be better off setting up a blanket under one of the several trees.
Ground
A mulch grass mix
Bathroom Situation
Indoor working plumbing, clean, and easy to locate. That gets you an Ace every time.
Best part of the park
It has a great vintage feel. Like, I said, it brought back ALOT of memories for me.
James Cavanaugh Park
Location
15098 Elm Ave. Brook Park, OH 44142
About the Park
A neighborhood park with plenty to do and by far the cleanest of the parks you will find in Brook Park. There is also a ton of well cut and soft grass if you want to lay out for a picnic. By far the one of the best parks you will in Brook Park. All in all, a nice little park that we would recommend complete with a rope wall.
Access to the park
The only drawback is the no parking lot, which is normal for the majority of the Brook Park street parks. Thus, you will be parking on the street and watching your car most of the time.
Things to do
There was plenty to do with two playsets. One was for toddlers and smaller tikes, while my two daughters loved the larger playset closer to the street side. It has swing sets for all ages as well.
Highlights includes slides, climb throughs, tunnels and a rubberized monkey bar set, complete with spinning wheels as well. The only drawback was the non-bathroom situation, like most parks in Brook Park seem to face.
Places for parents to sit
There is a nice pavilion for parents to sit, however it is as a bit of a distance from the playsets, so that is a bit of a drawback. Perfect for picnics if you so choose to bring a snack to share.
Ground
The pesky mulch
Bathroom situation
Sadly, there is no bathroom at this one and it can cut a visit quite short because of that.
Best part of the park
The wide-open space gives you plenty of room to do whatever you want while you’re there. We use this park to celebrate my eldest daughter’s birthday each year, and she loves it! It has become quote the fun tradition.
Stone Crest Park in Brook Park
Location
6344 Stonecrest Dr. Brook Park, OH 44142
About the park
It was a very small playground area with just one tiny playset. My girls made the best of it, but after about 15 minutes, it had run its course quickly. I will say this, it’s in plenty of shade and clean.
Access to the park
You can park on the street and walk right over as there is not a parking lot or anywhere to actually park.
Things to do
It features two tunnels slides with one of them being a swirly slide. It did have a nice rock wall as well. There is a full swing set that goes 4 wide about 20 feet from the playset. There is a tiny purple dinosaur located on a giant spring, if you have a toddler who wants to get into the action.
Places to sit
A small bench for parents located by the playset.
Ground
Grass and mulch depending where you are at.
Bathroom Situation
None
Fry Road Park
Location
6492 Fry Rd, Brook Park, OH 44142
About the Park
I hate to say it, because I LOVE the cities of Brook Park, Middleburgh Hts and Berea. Honestly, we’ve talked about moving there and making our kids Titans, but this park was rough, really rough! From the time we got there until the time we left, I just had this feeling like, “we’re in the wrong place”.
The rust was only outdone by the bird poop all over everything, combined with soggy wood chips. I will say though that despite all of that, the grass around the park was cut very nicely. I would also say, that if you have a dog, it is fenced in so you can bring one.
HOWEVER, there are two extremely loud dogs who are in the houses the park is behind of, and they both came out barking at each other and us, in full force the entire time. Not a friendly atmosphere at all, and the fences were tiny enough for the dogs to hop them and attack at any second. We got the heck out of there shortly after that.
Access to the park
Well, unless you’ve been there before, good luck trying to find it. It is literally in someone’s backyard. There is zero parking unless you don’t mind parking on the street in front of their house. The sign is so tiny, we literally drove past it twice. The comical thing is the tiny green sign under it that reminds people not to drive up the little walking pathway to the park. I guess if your car is small enough you can find a way to squeeze in for a second or two before you realize you’re on a walkway.
Things to do
If you can get past the rust and bird poop, this is actually a pretty good playground set. There’s only one playground set, but it is pretty cool. You have tunnel slides, swing sets, monkey bars, rings, rubber walk and all kinds of room to play.
Places for parents to sit
There are several benches in the shade for parents to sit. Again, it is really small so you can sit and see everything. Also, when the dogs are not barking bloody murder at each other, it’s a very nice and restful place to sit and relax while your kids play for a few minutes. The problem being, the benches covered in bird poop and rust, so you can’t get comfortable.
Ground
Super soft grass for most of it, but the usual mulch near the playset.
Bathroom Situation
None to be found. Maybe the dog people will let you in their homes?
Best part of the park
It is a cute little set up, very cozy.
Gallatin Park
Location
14994-15010, N Gallatin Blvd, Brook Park, OH 44142
About the park
Like most Brook Park Street Parks, it is small and cozy. There isn’t a ton to do, but you can still make a nice trip out of it.
Access to the park
Traditional Brook Park street parking.
Things to do
It featured a sizable playset and basketball court. The tire swing was a bit hit, as was the bouncy rides and rock wall! It has 4 swings, to toddler and 2 regular. It also has a tiny plane ride that would be perfect sized for toddlers.
Places for parents to sit
A small bench near the playset, and plenty of soft grass in the shade.
Ground
Soft grass and plenty of mulch. Just watch out for dead birds near the tire swing.
Bathroom
None
Best part of the park
By far, it is the shadiest of the Brook Park parks. You don’t have to worry about getting sun soaked here.
Carpenter Park
Location
Sheldon Rd in Brook Park
About this park
Just one street over from one of the nicest parks in the Brook Park / Berea area “Dora Lee Payne”, you will find one of the worst. I never thought Brook Park could produce a worse park then Frye Road, but they somehow found a way with this doozy. Between weeds coming up through the mulch, rusted out playsets and even a broken monkey bar set that looked as though they would collapse at any second, this was the quickest of all visits for us to judge. This park is lightyears away from some just “TLC” to improve it, it may need to be condemned.
Access to the park
There is nowhere to park, and the side street that allows parking, only allows it on one side. Sadly, we may have witnessed a drug deal in the short time we were there with a neighboring house, not the most welcoming of environments.
Things to do
I would say play on the playsets, but they are either completely rusted out or broken. In it’s prime it apparently has a six wide swing set. It does feature a large and cool looking Caterpillar climb on, but other then that, not much uniqueness or fun waiting to be had here.
Places for parents to sit.
A decayed picnic table and splintered up wooden bench, if you decide to stay more then 3 minutes and need to sit.
Ground
An enchanting weed mulch mix
Bathroom situation
You cannot be serious?
Best Part of the park
When you hear that little “ding” alerting you that your car has started and your seconds away from getting the Hell out of there.
Berea
Parknoll Park
The McKee family kicked off the 2024 Summer Park Tour this past weekend at Parknoll Park in Berea. It is located on the grounds of the former Parknoll Elementary School in Berea near a complex of beautiful homes, which makes the transit there, easy and enjoyable. It’s a stones through from the Metro Parks and also Bagley Road located at 499 Nobottom Rd, Berea, OH 44017.
There are plenty of options to keep children of all ages active and engaged for several hours. If you plan to make a day out of it, there are four separate shaded metal picnic table area’s that each fit eight people comfortably in which you can bring a lunch to enjoy. However, the main playground area, which is rather large, is unshaded, so you will want to make sure you child has plenty of sunscreen on. It also has a wood chip-based interior in which the playground is located, so you can count on taking a few of those home with you in your child’s shoes.
The playground features four large playsets, each equipped with slides, monkey bars and either rock walls or net walls for your child to climb. It has the traditional globe spinner that will fit most children with plenty of safety grips on it to make sure you child stays contained. Two of the four playsets feature the ever-popular walkthrough bridges and tunnels as well. On the most western side of the playground, that playset features a tri-angled tunnel slide.
It also features a small seesaw machine for the tinier park goers along with a small playset involving a pretend ice cream stand for your child’s imagination to run wild. This is the same area the lone swing set is located with 5 adult sized chain swings, and one toddler proof bucket swing with a lock. Everything located in the entire playground area is a safe mix of plastic and clean metal. No rust, nothing broken and not much to worry about.
For those of you without children present who still want to enjoy the park, you will have plenty of options outside of just the playground area. The park features everything from pickleball and basketball courts to baseball fields and walking trails. It even has a mini workout center area to take advantage of on a nice day.
As with any review, we do have a few things we wish we could change, those being the no bathroom situation and the lack of any hydration area, which again, seems odd when you factor in everything the park has going on.
We rate this one 4 out of 5 stars, with the non-bathroom issue truly being the only major factor holding it back from a perfect score. If you have any parks, you feel we should venture tour as the 2024 tour hits full steam, please leave them in the comment section below.
John Mucklo Park at Coe Lake in Berea
Location
85 S Rocky River Dr, Berea, OH 44017
About the park
It is a beautiful setting with many wedding parties taking their photos there over the years, including mine! It is a family friendly atmosphere with two massive playgrounds and plenty to keep the kids entertained for hours on a fun summer’s night! It even has a zip line, which is a personal favorite of my two little girls ages 6 and 9. You would think with this park being so close to the lake, and all the trees surrounding it, it would have problems staying clean but that was anything but the case. The park was spotless!
Access to the park.
With three ways to arrive at the park, and plenty of spaces to park, this an easy trip to make.
Things to do at the park.
With two playgrounds and a zip line, the options are a plenty. One playground is very colorful, while the other is in the design of a really cool pirate ship. From rock walls, to netting, to monkey bars and slides, these two playgrounds have everything you need. Mix in the zip line, and your children will be entertained safely for hours!
Places for parents to sit.
Plenty of benches and picnic style seating to choose from. All of which give you a perfect view of your kids and most of them are in the shade.
Ground
Wood chip city
Bathroom Situation
Indoor plumbing is a must, and this park has it. The only thing keeping this from being an A is the horrendous smell coming from both bathrooms.
Best part of the park.
The variety of things to do. Again, this park has so much, that when you are done with all of the attractions, you can take a walk near the lake. It truly has it all! Also, it is 5 minutes away from countless fast-food chains if you want to make a day out of it!
Dora Lee Payne Park in Berea
Location
145 Riveredge Drive, Berea, Ohio 44017.
About the park
While not easy to get to, and not a lot of shade from the sun, the true uniqueness and coolness of this park, make it a cannot miss for your family as it was for mine. It is colorful, fun and has plenty to do and explore. It has a giant Rocket ship in the middle of the playland, which makes the entire trip worth it. It is fairly clean and safe. The only drawback would be the wood chips going home in the shoes. But honestly, all things considered, this park is fantastic!
Access to the park
It is tricky to find if you haven’t been there before because if you are just in need of the playground, there is no way to get there. You literally have to park at the baseball fields, and walk over through the large parking lot and around the bus building. In fact, the best way to look for it, is look for the Berea-Midpark busses parked in the lot.
Things to do at the park
There are plenty of things to do with a large baseball field, football field, plenty of grass and one of the coolest looking playgrounds you will ever find. The true highlight of the playground is the massive rocket ship in the middle. It has numerous playsets, slides, monkey bars and everything a kid could want minus a rock wall.
Places for parents to sit
There are numerous spots to sit on clean and well kept up benches. The playground is small enough to sit and watch your kids no matter what area they are playing in. Again, it is clean and safe with 4 different options to sit in the playground, the only drawback being that none of the benches are in shade, so pack the sunscreen.
Ground
Wood Chips
Bathroom Situation
Indoor plumbing that isn’t overflowing, and clean, that earns you the Ace every time!
Best part of the park
The USA Rocket Ship Atmosphere and color scheme. It is just really cool and will give you plenty of outstanding photo opts!
Middleburg Hts
Middleburg Hts Community Park
Location
15700 Bagley Rd, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
About the Park
I’m not sure if this park has an official name or not, but if I could name it, I would call it, “AWESOME PARK”. My family stumbled upon it by accident, and it quickly became a favorite! The easiest way I can explain it is this, we were trying to get to FRY Road Park and it was blocked so we cut back up to Bagley and stumbled into this gem. My oldest daughter Maggie turned her head in the car and looked out the window at the perfect time to say, “Oh, a park!” Like the Beverly Hillbillies once did by accident, we struck gold!
What we found from there was a huge open space of 5 playground sets, plenty to do, clean atmosphere and a great time! It was really clean, however when they go wood chips over that soft rubber, it knocks it down to a B. Still though, even with that being said, for a park that huge to be that clean, is impressive! Let’s get to one of the best parks in all of Ohio!
Access to the park
It’s literally right behind the Middleburgh Hts police department with all kinds of parking and plenty of room.
Things to do at the park
Oh my God, you won’t get bored at this park / playground. There is literally something for everyone! From slides, to swings, to tunnels, to walls to bochee ball courts and everything in between, including baseball fields. This is the kind of park you pack a lunch and make a day out of it! With 5 playsets to choose from, you have nothing but options and hours of fun on your hands!
Places for parents to sit
Even with a massive amount of space, they had a ton of places to sit including an amazing pavilion in direct vision of the playgrounds where you can escape from the sun. No issues at all.
Ground
Wood mulch and some grass depending on where you choose to play.
Bathroom Situation
Okay, I didn’t see one, HOWEVER, that doesn’t mean there isn’t one, it just means I never saw it. However, the place was gigantic, and I never walked over to the baseball fields, I’m guessing one was there. If not, then stop into City Hall or the Police station I guess?
Best part of the park
The variety and the atmosphere. We attended this park right after McGovern Park and it felt like we stepped out of Jurassic Park into Disney World. A great surprise!
