Optimist Park, Washington

Location: 2000 E. 9th St., Washington, MO 63090

Website: https://washmo.gov/directory/optimist-park/

Playground Ground Cover: Wood Chips

This park features a huge pavilion, an enclosed skate park, a new playground installed in late 2025, a basketball court, and restrooms.

The restroom building is conveniently located right off the parking lot, close to the playground and pavilion. 

There are 2 baby swings and 2 sling swings.

The play structure has a climbing wall, floating steps, a spinner, a slide, and a swinging hammock.

The tennis courts were converted into a skate park, and it is very well used. It's open from dawn to dusk.

Overhead shot from the website

Edgewood-Montgomery Park, Berkeley

Location: 4001 McKibbon Rd., Berkeley, MO 63134

Website: https://www.berkeleymo.us/egov/apps/locations/facilities.egov?view=detail&id=14

Playground Ground Cover: Rubber chips

This is a small neighborhood park that has picnic tables, a basketball court, a pavilion, a tennis court, and a playground. 

The playground has a slide, and several pieces of equipment for climbing. 

Gentry Park, Bridgeton

Location: 4201 Fee Fee Rd., in Bridgeton, MO 63044

Amenities: Playground, picnic shelter, restrooms, nature trail, community center (with indoor pool), and outdoor aquatic center

Website: https://www.bridgetonmo.com/458/Parks

Playground ground cover: Astro turf

Gentry Park in Bridgeton was replaced in 2025, and I love the new astroturf flooring. It's mostly enclosed, but there are open spots without gates. The restrooms are close by and so is the parking lot. There is a large covered pavilion, but it's down a hill a little way. 

This 37-acre park is the home of the Bridgeton Community Center, Bridgeton Crossing Family Aquatic Park, and the Payne-Gentry Historical House. Hickory Woods Natural Area is a 10.5-acre tract adjacent to Gentry Park, which includes a 1-mile walking trail.

The playground is a short walk from the parking lot. 

The smaller play structure has ramps, slides, a pretend window, interactive boards, cable climbers, and a spinner.

The larger play structure has slides, ramps, interactive boards, a rock wall, and more. 

There is a we-go-round, a seated spinner, as well as musical instruments.

Up the path is a restroom building, the swings, and a cable tower climber.

There is one baby swing, one ADA-compliant swing, and four sling swings.