Directions and Parking: You can reach this park from Normal Blvd or from 70th Street. It is pretty hard to miss. You will be driving on 70th and see tons of green all of a sudden! If you do enter the park from 70th Street make sure you are drivining on Homles North Shore Blvd which will eventually lead you to the playground. Holmes South Shore Blvd will lead you to the observatory. Van Dorn is the easiest entrance to the playground. Parking is right next to the playground.
Playground: My kids love this playground. It is "three stories" with lots of slides, ladders and a brigde. Younger ones can get stuck on the uppermost level so you'll see parents climbing up to get them every once and awhile. There are also swings, a see-saw, a tire swing, a sandbox and ride-ons. While there are a lot of trees around Holmes Lake Park, there aren't many near the playround and it can get sunny and hot during the afternoon. There are tables scattered around the playground and this is a lovely spot for a picnic.
Bathrooms: There are bathrooms but they are not near the playground. They are next to the covered pavilion.
Other: On the weekend this park often sees birthday parties and company gatherings. There are fishermen here often and lots of walkers. The paths are beautiful and go around the lake.
Overall: This is a fun park to visit but when I'm near water with young children, I am always extra careful. My kids love to go to the water and look for fish. I like this playground, it is different than the usual run-of-the-mill playground.
