There is a large “destination” playground in Eagan that I recently heard about, Woodhaven. I initially just checked it out online and was largely dismissive of it because of the evident lack of shade. It’s entirely surfaced with poured-in-place rubber (PIP) which also gives that extra “sun baked” feeling to it, that feeling they cleared 20 trees to create a greenfield project and put some umbrellas up to replace the trees. But on an overcast morning I stopped by to check it out, and I actually like it.
The playground
The playground is constructed by Miracle and clearly followed inclusive design principles and is much more than just a normal neighborhood park. The bulk of the equipment is in the 5-12 age group composite structure, and includes a wide variety of climbers, slides, many activity panels (a large portion of which are battery powered music touch panels), a two standout rope net bridges suspended 12+ feet above the ground. Everything is connected with accessible bridges and ramps, foregoing any tube bridges. The lack of tubes helps this playground give a sense of speed– there is nothing to impede running from one end to the other, and as a result this parks stands out to me as good place for a game of tag.
The younger 2-5 year old play equipment is a smaller composite structure but still ample with 3 slides and 4 or 5 climbers and a shade roof. Sprinkled around that half of the lot are number of other freestanding pieces including a spinning seated merry-go-round, a no-step walk-on merry-go-round, nature themed climbers, a seesaw, and more. Finally, due to the design of the structure for older kids, it’s very easy for little ones to enjoy that as well and be a part of that fun.
Woodhaven also has 3 sets of zip rails including an accessible seated rail, and a 3-bay swing set with strap swings, inclusive seated swing, a baby + strap swing combo, and 2 baby buckets.
Finally, there is the little matter of the odd but delightful arrangement that greets you immediately in front of the parking lot: the basketball hoops. There are two dozen basketball hoops clustered tightly together at varying heights. Each has a wacky folded backboard, I imagine to make it more fun but also to keep wayward basketballs from going too far. Though there is a short strip of fence between the hoops and the parking lot, I probably wouldn’t park right in front of it. I have never seen anything like it, and I immediately regretted not having a basketball.
Everything else
Woodhaven is pretty much dominated by the playground, but it does have some amenities. Chiefly, a plumbed bathroom building and water fountain situated to the side of a shaded picnic area. A paved path follows the contours of the playground and connects a few other umbrella-shaded benches and I believe the path continues around the greater park area, included a wooded stretch that connects to another smaller neighborhood park.
Above the playground atop a small hill there are two tennis courts, but no other sports fields or courts were evident.
Behind the playground is a wooded and/or marshy area, and there is a mystery Totoro-esque path into some bushes that is just absolutely magnetic in its mystery. Kids were in and out, though I have no idea what, if anything, is back there. They did return with many burrs in there hair and clothes, though, so be forewarned.
Overall, I recommend this park, but just pick the right day for it– overcast, morning or late afternoon. Bring water and a basketball.