BY: Tori Williams
Staff Writer
As spring weather finally settles in, students may discover the urge to explore the numerous parks around Meramec. With so many options close by, there are plenty of parks to choose from, each with its own scenery and qualities. Organized from closes to farthest proximity, here are 10 parks within 10 miles of Meramec.
Dee Koestering Park (0.8 miles)
Once a quarry, Dee Koestering has stacks of rocks, a scenic overlook and a hiking trail. Handicap parking is available and the overlook trail is wheelchair accessible. This park is perfect for a quick yet strenuous hike or an afternoon
of exploring.
Kirkwood Park (1.2 miles)
Kirkwood Park is perhaps one of the best known parks around Meramec, offering walking trails, playgrounds, ball fields, an amphitheater and a lake. This park is good for a quick outing or
general recreation.
Laumeier Sculpture Park (1.3 miles)
Laumeier Sculpture Park features more than 60 sculptures, extensive walking trails and plenty of open ground. Great for both art students and for people who would prefer to admire art from a distance, it’s the perfect place for a quick hike, lunch or even a full-day trip.
Walker Park (2.1 miles)
This is a small park on the outskirts of downtown Kirkwood. It has a pavilion, a couple of sculptures, benches and ample tree cover, all of which make this park ideal for a quick lunch break.
Watson Trail Park (2.3 miles)
Like the name suggests, this park is a great source of walking trails. The largest park in the Sunset Hills area, this park includes a lake, several playgrounds and picnic areas, tennis and basketball courts, three swimming pools and a 9-hole golf course.
Emmenegger Nature Park (2.4 miles)
This is a hiking park next to the Meramec River, with miles of trails that span its valley and hillsides. On one side, visitors can look out over Interstate 270, and on the other, they can look out over the river and into Fenton.
Pioneer Park (3 miles)
Pioneer Park is a small park in Des Peres with tennis courts, a baseball field, a basketball court and plenty of open, grassy area. This park would be an excellent park for a picnic under the trees or a quick ball game with friends.
Twin Oaks Park (4.9 miles)
Twin Oaks Park has a large pavilion, picnic tables with backrests, three waterfalls in its pond, a playground, basketball courts, a sand volleyball court, tennis courts and lots of open fields. It’s a small park, but it is well worth a visit. This is the perfect place to study, have lunch, or just hang out.
Drace Park (6 miles)
Drace Park has an interesting design. It features a large pavilion, a playground and a walking path. Also in the park are three log cabins and a cleverly designed play area. The play structures are made of wood and blend in well with
their surroundings.
Castlewood State Park (7.9 miles)
Castlewood State Park features miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails and river access, as well as a playground and creek. The extensive trails take hikers up to the top of the bluffs and all the way down to the Meramec River.
