Slides, swings, and fun things to climb on are all classic elements of a childhood favorite playgrounds.

Several public playgrounds in Ann Arbor will be closed for resurfacing during the week of May 31.

A lot at the Academy of Warren is being turned into a state-of-the-art playground.

Here’s a question for the parents and kids among us: What are the top playgrounds in Metro Detroit? But, let’s say you and your kids were looking to take a short trip to the playground -- is there one you’re willing to drive to? Here are some points to keep in mind:CleanlinessTidinessQuality of playscapesOverall safetyFriendliness of other playground visitorsAccessibilityParkingYou might think: Why would I tell more people to go to my favorite spot and then ruin it? However, what I’m trying to do here is uncover more and more options for everyone. Sharing is caring, blah blah blah.

COMMERCE TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Volunteers from thirty companies worked together Saturday at a Metro Detroit park. Scarlet’s Playground opened in Commerce Township in June. The Michigan Green Industry Association Day of Service donated and installed nearly $80,000 dollars worth of landscaping, flowers and plants. They compete in their field, bidding on jobs, but today they’re all as one,” said Diane Banks with Michigan Green Industry Association. The 18,000 square foot play space has rubberized surfaces and the equipment has double wide ramps to accommodate wheelchairs.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. The city of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation department has announced that it will reopen public playgrounds around the city and the Ann Arbor Skatepark on Monday, June 8. The announcement was made after Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer rescinded Michigans stay-home order on June 1. According to the announcement, structures and equipment at the playgrounds and skatepark are not cleaned or sanitized so residents are encouraged to use increased safety measures like social distancing. Signage around the playgrounds and skatepark will be updated and an announcement relating to outdoor public pools and day camps is planned for next week. Sign up for our email newsletter here!

COMMERCE CHARTER TOWNSHIP, Mich. For months, outdoor playground equipment has been closed due to coronavirus, but for some children, playgrounds have always been inaccessible. RELATED: Livonia reopens school playgrounds, Dog Park after Michigan stay home order liftedAn inclusive playground in Commerce Township is a project Detroit News personality Stephen Clark has spent years raising money to build. Clarks granddaughter uses a wheelchair and the new park is the largest ramped playground in the Midwest. Named after Clarks granddaughter, Scarlets Playground is groundbreaking for children with special needs. More information on Scarlets Playground can be found on its official website here.

LIVONIA, Mich. – The city of Livonia is reopening its school playgrounds starting Tuesday, a day after the Michigan governor lifted the state’s stay-at-home order. The playgrounds and track and field areas at Livonia Public Schools have been closed for two months since the coronavirus pandemic hit the region. The city of Livonia alone has seen more than 800 COVID-19 cases and 155 deaths related to the virus. Thanks so much for your patience while our school playgrounds and tracks were temporarily closed during the governor's stay-at-home order. — Livonia Schools (@LivoniaDistrict) June 2, 2020The city also announced it will open the Dog Park at Bicentennial Park on Tuesday.