Chambana Parks to Know: Hessel Park

AMENITIES: This 26.9-acre park features two play structures, swings (infant and child) a sandbox area, restrooms, a seasonal water park walking trails, grills, sheltered picnic areas (some large enough for parties) and various tables and benches scattered throughout the area.The city of Champaign requires groups of 25 people or more to obtain a park-use permit, which are free unless you plan to hold a concert or fund-raiser there. For information about park-use permits, call 398-2591.

GOOD FOR: Infants and up.

AMY’S TAKE: Hessel Park is, in my opinion, the gem in the crown that is the Champaign Park District. This park has something for every age, and I love the fact that my 19-month-old can play and climb safely on one structure geared for the ages 2-to-5 crowd while my pre-Kindergartener can run and jump and slide to her heart’s content on the big kids’ play structure. The two structures are located just far enough apart so that my little guy doesn’t try to play with the bigguns, but I can still keep an eye on my daughter, as well.

The swings are great, too: The big kids’ swings are located right next to the baby swings, so you can push two ages/stages at the same time. Perfection!

We spent a lot of time in Hessel Park our first summer here, thanks to the terrific water park (the water runs from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. and 5:00-7:00 p.m. every day during the summer, between Memorial Day and Labor Day). Fun structures like a whale’s rib-cage, seals and a waterfall tower make it especially cool on the hottest days. One warning to parents — when the water park opens, don’t forget to bring some kind of flip-flop or water shoe. The park is very clean, all things considered, but you can’t take for granted that there won’t be debris that could hurt wee feet.

If you’re looking to get some fresh air and ensure a peaceful naptime, bring a picnic lunch to Hessel Park and settle in for a morning. You won’t regret it!