Jake's Field of Dreams Playground and Heartland Park Walk

Heartland Park includes the destination playground, Jake’s Field of Dreams, and a paved trail around a lake and prairie in Wentzville, Mo.

My son explored the playground first, then rode his bike while I walked the paved trail through the park.

JAKE’S FIELD OF DREAMS PLAYGROUND

Story of Jake

Jake had always dreamed of playing sports while growing up, but his early diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy changed his path.

The disease weakened his muscles but not his spirit! Jake became the greatest sports fan, cheering and dreaming of broadcasting for all who played the games he loved.

He died in 2012 at age 19. This playground is dedicated to Jake and ALL kids who shared Jake’s dream of playing on the field side-by-side with their peers, no matter their ability.

The Playground For All

The features of this playground surpass typical ADA standards and enable children with a wide variety of abilities to engage in play.

It has ramping systems from the bottom to the top of each play element, transfer stations, specialized seating, hand-holds, and slanted climbing systems, making it an all-inclusive playground.

OUR TIME HERE

In front of the playground at the main entrance is a monument to Jake, along with a sign that says “Field of Dreams.” In the summer, a mister runs to help you cool off.

Football Section

The front area has a football theme. Upon entering, visitors will encounter a large yellow and blue metal football helmet that kids can climb, resembling a jungle gym.

Two ziplines run under yellow football goals. One is for sitting and the other for standing.

Busch Stadium Play Structure

Next, we came to a Busch Stadium-like play structure with boardwalks, climbing walls, and slides off of it.

*Ticket booth with a dedication to Jake.*

My son enjoyed the “Take A Ticket” roller, which came with a make-believe ticket booth. He would roll the tickets and then pretend to give me one before I could enter the play structure.

Climbing "First Base." — *Climbing “First Base.”*

Two red climbing walls, labeled “First Base” and “Second Base,” greeted us as my son and I raced up them to reach the boardwalk behind.

The structure also has a make-believe Concession Stand, where he sold me a hotdog and peanuts. A note below says menu items are hidden across the stadium. (As seen in main blog photo)

We found a ladder created with bats on the side.

Then, he liked going through the enclosed rope ladder up to the walkway along with the slides.

I appreciated how the theme was consistently reflected throughout, such as the steps ascending as first, second, third, and home base.

In the back of the stadium play area, there is a roller slide, and in the front, there is a slide where you can lie down, which creates the feeling of sliding into home plate.

*My son climbing on the merry-go-round rope ladder.*

Spinning Climber

His favorite thing was the tall rope merry-go-round climber. Andrew spent the most time on it since the place was busy. He didn’t have to spin it much since there were plenty of kids to keep going.

NOTE: Parents should keep an eye on their young kids since it spins around and you have to hold on to stay on it.

Obstacle Course

A large stopwatch is at the front of an obstacle course, which includes cones, bars, and ropes.

Other playground Attractions

A covered swing set is available for all different skill levels and close by is a saucer swing.

Nearby are different xylophones and drums played for a musical good time.

The flat merry-go-round stayed busy throughout our time there.

The playground also has a covered smaller boardwalk with slides and things to climb for the younger kids.

*Rocking structure shaped like a Zamboni.*

In the back is an easy to get to rocking structure that looks like a giant Zamboni.

Final Thoughts

My son enjoyed his time at the park. It’s definitely worth visiting with kids.

HIKE: Start of Paved Trail Walk

The paved trail is .8 miles long with 25 feet of elevation gain. There is some up and down as you walk.

We headed south of the parking lot, passing by the restrooms. Then we went to the left by the second entrance to Jake’s Field of Dreams playground.

Teens were practicing in the nearby soccer field.

By the Lake

Next, we curved around the back of the lake.

*Learning about sediment as we went along the lake.*

A sign along the lake explained the importance of a sediment forebay. It stops sediment and pollution from entering the lake and allows it to settle, keeping the water clear.

Boardwalk

Now, the trail follows the lake. A boardwalk on the right leads to a covered dock. My son wanted to check it out. He looked out over the lake from the railing. The boardwalk continues to another dock before returning to the main trail.

Going to the Bridge

A paved trail goes uphill on the left back to the parking lot. We continued along the lake’s shoreline. A sign on the right talks about bioswales which are storm water runoff conveyance systems that provide an alternative to storm sewers. A rain garden is also created along the hillside.

A rain garden is also created along the hillside.

*Curved bridge across a section of the lake*

Next, we went to a bridge that curved over the back section of the lake.

Heading away from the lake, we came to a small picnic shelter with views of the lake.

Parking Lot

We reached the main parking lot. At the start of the trail, you can go along the paved trail before the parking lot.

My son had us cross the parking lot and take the second paved trail back to the beginning so he could climb up on top of the cement soccer ball for a photo op.

Final Thoughts

The trail allows you to stretch your legs after the kids play at the playground. It works well for strollers or his dirt bike, as with my son. The signs provide information about the natural surroundings. It is an easy walk with only some ups and downs.

DETAILS

Drive: Take Interstate 64 to Interstate 70 and go east to exit 208. Make a right onto Wentzville Parkway, then a right onto William Dierberg Drive, and then a right into the park’s entrance.

Hours: 5 a.m. – 8 p.m., Daily

Address: 100 William Dierberg Dr, Wentzville, MO 63385