Celebrate Parks & Recreation Month With a Trip to These Amazing Parks
Since 1985, the United States has celebrated Parks & Recreation Month. The goal of the month is to raise awareness of the essential services that park and recreational professionals provide to regions across the United States. At Forest Park Forever, we are thrilled to be able to partner with the City of St. Louis’ Parks and Recreation Department to maintain, sustain and restore Forest Park, now and forever. The St. Louis Parks and Recreation Department also helps to manage 107 additional parks inside the City limits.
Did you know that St. Louis City is 62 square miles and of that, over 2,956 acres are park land? Those are impressive numbers, one that helped St. Louis be listed as LADDERS “Greenest Cities in the United States” earlier this year. Let’s take a look at some of the parks in St. Louis that you need to check out (in alphabetical order).
Since Forest Park is the largest Park in St. Louis, it seemed appropriate to mention the smallest park, Aboussie Park. Aboussie Park is just 0.4 acres, but packs a big punch of aroma due to flowering trees mixed with the smell of hops from Anheuser Busch Brewery.
This little hidden gem overlooks the Mississippi River and can be found along Broadway in south St. Louis.
A more well known park in south St. Louis. Visitors should check out the amazingly maintained tennis courts, playground area (when it opens back up) and unique bridge that crosses over the pond. Volunteer with the Benton Park Neighborhood Association to help out!
Carondelet Park was established a year before Forest Park, in 1875. St. Louis City’s third largest Park is one to check out right now because the streets are closed making way for pedestrians during COVID-19.
Designed in 2009, this new park located in the Grove neighborhood includes a splash area, dog park, workout equipment and an adventure playground worth checking out.
If you have not been yet, you have to check out the Citygarden in downtown St. Louis. From an epic splashpad to the 24 sculptures meandering through the green in the middle of downtown — this park won’t disappoint your next staycation.
The water tower, built in 1899, is open to the public on the first Saturday of the month right now to view the full moon from the top. Learn more here.
This is a must-see in St. Louis if you have not been here yet. Fairground Park was the site of St. Louis’ first Zoo. The only structure that remains is the Bear Pits of Fairground Park.
Forest Park
Looking to find some hidden gems in the 1,300 acres of green? Check these out.
Featuring a gazebo, fountain and lake (fishing is permitted), this almost 12-acre park sits in an area that was once the town of Bremen close to the northern side of the St. Louis Riverfront.
The City’s oldest park, dedicated in 1851, is also considered by many local historians to be one of the oldest urban parks west of the Mississippi. One of the most serene areas of the park, the Rockery, was built in 1856.
Located in south St. Louis, near Michigan and Dakota, sits a skating rink that is ready for your roller skates.
Walk or bike along the Mississippi and meet up with the 10.8-mile North Riverfront Trail in conjunction with the Great Rivers Greenway team.
Just southeast of Bellefontaine Cemetery, O’Fallon Park is easily visible from I-70. Complete with a stocked lake, chess tables and a walking trail, this park is full of recreational opportunities.
Add this to the best kept secret list in St. Louis. Penrose Park which is also viewable from I-170 in north St. Louis, is home to one of only 27 velodromes in the country. The bicycle track was currently reopened in 2019.
The iconic Tower Grove Park, located in south St. Louis, has been characterized as the largest and best preserved 19th-century Gardenesque style city park in the United States. There are several trails within the park including a bird walk trail.
For a great social distance sporting opportunity, head to Willmore Park and take advantage of the free disc golf course.
When visiting one of these parks, don’t forget to practice social distancing by maintaining six feet of distance from others.
A special thanks to all of the volunteers, Parks & Recreation employees, donors and various Park conservancy employees and board members who provide essential services — making their communities better places to live, work and play.