Hawk Ridge Park in Lake St. Louis, Missouri, offers a scenic lake walking trail and fun playtime at castle-themed Zachary’s Playground.
Overview of Zachary’s Playground
Zachary’s Playground is named after a neighborhood kid who wanted a place where he could play, even though he is confined to a wheelchair. This playground was one of the first of its kind and was built in 2007. It has continued to be a center for fun for all children.
Playground Time
My son wanted to play on the playground first before we took the walk. The castle’s boardwalk, adorned with turrets and flags, features climbing walls, rock cliffs, stairs, ropes, and ramps to access upper areas. Tube slides include windows that kids can see out. Panels on the structure include braille.
A second play structure features a boat theme, including a roller slide, a rounded slide, and a climbing area at the front.
The swing set includes adaptive swings and a baby swing. A tire swing is done as if it is part of a crane. (Shown in main blog photo.)
A rocking structure enables a child in a wheelchair to sway while seated on a built-in bench.
During summer, kids can enjoy the spray pad.
Park Walk
After spending time at the playground with my son, we headed to the walking trail.
It is a .4-mile, mostly level paved pathway with ten feet of elevation gain that goes around the lake and playground.
Lake Area
A picnic pavilion and restrooms are at the beginning of the walk above the lake.
We veered to the right around the lake and passed by some Canadian geese entering the water.
Along the walk, we discovered an informational sign about butterflies. Next to it is a yellow and white-winged butterfly sculpture on a rock. The tall grasses and flowers in this area create a butterfly garden.
We stopped at a small gazebo with picnic tables surrounded by the lake.
Back to the Playground
The paved trail loops around the back of the playground, where walkways and boardwalks lead to the play structures.
Then we were back at the parking lot.
Final Thoughts
The playground is the main attraction, where young kids can burn off some energy. Even if you have a child in a stroller, you can take a break from the playground and enjoy nature by the lake.
DETAILS
Drive: Take Interstate 64 to exit 4A for Missouri Highway N, then make a right onto Ridgeview Avenue. The park will be on your right. You can park along the street on the right or make a right on Orf Road and right into the park’s parking lot.
Hours: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m., Daily
Address: 1229 Ridgeway Ave, Lake St Louis, MO 63367
MORE ST. CHARLES COUNTY PARK WALKS AND PLAYGROUND FUN
Sports Park O’Fallon Walk
Do an easy walk around soccer fields and fun time with my son at a large playground at Sports Park in O’Fallon, Mo.
Westhoff Park Has a Bug’s Life Theme
In Westhoff Park, you can find a playground that has a “bug’s life” design with blue caterpillars and green centipedes. If you have a young kid, like my son Andrew, this is a whimsical play area to explore.
The park is in O’Fallon, Mo., north of Interstate 70 on TR Hughes Boulevard.
Veterans Tribute Park: A Place to Walk and Play
Kids enjoy a destination playground and families can take to trails that wrap around lakes at Veterans Tribute Park in Weldon Spring, Mo.
I walked 1.7 miles of the paved trails with 105 feet of elevation checking out the main sites in the park including a Veteran’s Memorial.
