College Meadows Walk and McAuley Playground

Take a walk in the prairie grass field and then go to the medieval castle-themed McAuley Playground with the kid.

This is part of a day at Colleges Meadows Park and Hansen Park.

College Meadows Jaunt

First, I walked that gravel and mowed grass path at College Meadows Park. A gravel parking lot is located behind the St. Charles Community College campus off of St. Peters Cottleville Road. Look for a brown sign that says College Meadows: St. Charles County.

After parking, I headed out on the gravel trail to the left of the parking lot.

I came to where gravel goes to the right and left. I headed to the right.

Next, I passed some pink flowering redbud trees.

Then I looked to the left over the distant grassy fields and a small pond (main photo). The trail began to circle to the left and then dead ends.

I could have done and out and back but decided to walk through the mowed grass.

This walk led closer to the pond where I heard bullfrogs.

Heading towers the gravel trail. — *Heading towards the gravel trail.*

Next, I noticed the gravel trail ahead of me and walked towards it.

Now, I walked this part back to the trailhead.

Final Thoughts

This was a .9-mile walk with only 43 feet of elevation gain. It is a short walk in an 80-acre park.

The park is mostly known for disc golf which can be played here. If there are players be watchful of them.

A walk here can be paired with the nearby McAuley Playground/Hansen Park with a kid. However, the gravel trail is not stroller-friendly. Also, you have to drive from one to the other unless you walk along a road since there is no sidewalk.

DETAILS

An information sign is at the trailhead and a port-a-poddy is also located by it.

Drive: Take Interstate 64 and then go north on Interstate 270 then take Exit 16 and then go west on Missouri Highway 364. Then take exit 8B for St. Peters Parkway and make a right onto Mid Rivers Mall Drive. Next, make a left on onto Ohmes Road then a left onto St. Peters Cottleville Road then make a right through some gates and the gravel parking lot will be on the right.

Hours: Opens at 7 a.m. and closes half an hour after sunset.

Address: 1561-1581 St Peters Cottleville Rd, Cottleville, MO, 63376

Hansen Park Spotlight: McAuley Playground

If I had my son with me, I would take him to the nearby Hansen Park which has the large McAuley Playground.

This is an inclusive playground and allows children with physical and social barriers to also enjoy it.

A castle theme is used on an elevated walkway that includes climbing walls and slides.

*View of the playground showing other sections of it.*

Swing types include two-saucer swings, baby swings, adaptive swings, and regular swings.

You will also find a tunnel, rope ladder, and musical equipment.

Restrooms were also open on the early spring day I was there.

Park History

Hansen Park received its name from the late Jeff Hansen who owned Hansen Tree Service and was a major contributor to area charities. Hansen was killed in a plane crash in 2015.

The playground’s name is from Sister Catherine McAuley who was an Irish Catholic who founded the Sisters of Mercy Health and provided health care for those in need. Parking is shared with Mercy Kids Convenient Care-Mid Rivers.

DETAILS

Drive: Take Interstate 64 and then go north on Interstate 270 then take Exit 16 and then go west on Missouri Highway 364. Next, take exit 8B for St. Peters Parkway and make a right onto Mid Rivers Mall Drive. Then make a left onto Ohmes Road and park in the back of the lot for Mercy Kids Convenient Care- Mid Rivers.

Hours: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Daily

Address: 1360 St Peters Cottleville Rd, St Peters, MO 63376