Lake Nokomis Playground (on the northeast side of Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis) does have a new “nature-inspired” playground structure, but if you walk a few yards towards the lake you’ll find a small area of large logs arranged around some coniferous trees with low bare branches that are perfect for explorers to try climbing. This area was a “pop up” nature playground that the community put together while the big playground was closed for construction, and the neighborhood liked it so much that the fixture was not only left in place but has grown in the time since! You can also find the old swing set and sandbox remaining in the grassy shade of the park’s large trees, well within view of the park’s new play structure.
The park itself features extensive walking and bike paths that wind all the way around the lake. A bridge on Cedar Avenue runs north and south over the southwest corner of the lake and you can either wait to cross busy Cedar Avenue or shortcut over the pedestrian lane across the bridge (with scenic lookout spots). I don’t recommend crossing underneath the bridge, though it’s technically passable on foot.
Nature In Your Nurture 