Knights of Columbus, Highland IL

 

Location: 12454 IL-143, Highland, IL 62249

Website: https://highlandkc.org/

Playground Ground Cover: Pea gravel

This playground is dated. They used to have this old wooden-style playground at Francis park when I was a kid in the 80s. 

Horseshoes

The play structure has a tire swing, metal slides, a bridge, a buble window, and some bars and poles. 

Ballfields

4 spring rides

Huge covered pavilion with concession window and restrooms

Vance Trails Park, Valley Park

Location: 1338 Hanna Road, Valley Park, MO 63088

Amenities: playground, picnic tables, trail

Website: https://www.valleyparkmo.org/parks-recreation/pages/city-parks-trails

Playground ground cover: Pea gravel

The real gem of Vance Trails Park is the creek which runs right past the parking lot. Older kids will love catching tadpoles and wading.  There is a bit of shade over the playground but no restrooms. 

This area is prone to flooding and may be closed if it floods. 

Beautiful creek!

You can see the playground straight back from the parking lot.

There are 2 baby swings and 2 sling swings

The play structure has 2 slides, a bridge, a tic tac toe board, and a pretend window.

Deer Creek Park (Rocket Park), Maplewood

Location: 3200 Laclede Station Rd., Maplewood, MO 63143

Amenities: Playground, picnic shelter, sports fields, restroom, concessions

Website: https://www.cityofmaplewood.com/government/departments/maplewood_local_parks___amenities.php

Playground ground cover: rubber mats, wood chips, sand

This is a great park often referred to as just Rocket Park because it's all space-themed. The rocket slide is huge, almost 3 stories! There are sling swings, an adaptive swing, and baby swings. They have a sand area, a digging toy, a bouncy thing that resembles the space shuttle, a car kids can "ride in", a rock wall, and more. Bathrooms and a nice covered pavilion are close. The sign says for 5 and up because it is so tall but my 3-year-old enjoys it. They also have a teeter-totter that he really likes. There is a snack station here where you can buy things like sno cones, pretzels, hot dogs, etc. but they are usually only open when games are happening. 

Ramps to get into the play structure

Huge covered pavilion right next to the playground and parking lot. 

Gaga ball

2 shovels for digging in the pea gravel