Lewis Park Walk

Take a walk around a small lake that has a fish on a bicycle at Lewis Park in University City near the Delmar Loop.

I took some time to explore the area of brick homes and the paths around this four-acre park that includes a playground and landscaped grounds.

Parking

Parking is tricky for the park since it does not have its own lot. I parked along Yale Avenue near its intersection with Cornell Avenue. A walkway to the park is off of Yale Avenue north of this intersection.

*Entering the park on a sidewalk from Yale Avenue.*

First Walk Into the Park

I started a .3 mile walk taking the sidewalk that led between houses into the park.

I went down a path to the left around the lake. A fountain is in the middle spouting out water.

Then I passed by a fish with flippers holding the bicycle handles and his bottom flippers on the petals. It is slightly the fish and bicycle are slightly above the water like he is out for a spin.

Next, I went to the right along the shoreline of the lake.

*Closeup of the playground with slides, swings, and walkways.*

Then I went by the playground and back to where I entered.

Long Walk

Next, I decided to take a longer jaunt around the park for a .4-mile walk. I went south along Yale Avenue following the sidewalk to Delmar Boulevard.

Along this street are large houses such as a huge Tudor-style home taking up a large part of a block.

*Sculpture in the backyard of one of the houses near the park.*

If you wanted to you could spend some time walking the streets coming across many older homes with each having its own style.

Next, I went to the right on Delmar Boulevard. Across the street, I saw a long brick house with six tall white columns along the front.

Park History

Up along the hillside is a sign listing the history of the park. The park is named for Edward Gardner Lewis, University City’s founder and first mayor. The land that forms much of the park today was originally Lewis’ home and gardens in University City #1.

He built his 16-room home surrounded by gardens, tennis courts, a swimming pool, and a spring-fed lake large enough for row boats.

In 1922 when University City established the Park Commission and the western part of Lewis property became the first part of Lewis Park in 1923.

Back Into the Park

I came to cement steps and walked down into the park once more on the west side of the park.

The trail went by the west end of the lake and through some trees. I walked a little further to the corner of Vassar Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue.

Then I walked back into the park and made a left in front of the playground and then back to where I entered the park.

*Dog station in the park that includes pet food and water.*

Final Thoughts

In this park, you can do an outer and inner loop along with entrances to the park for about a .6-mile walk or do several loops around the park for a longer walk. The neighborhood is filled with historic and unique homes and you could spend some time checking the area out. Also, the park is near the Delmar Loop restaurant and shopping district if you want a break in the park.

DETAILS

Drive: Take the exit for Big Bend Boulevard off of Interstate 64 and go north then left onto Delmar Boulevard and another left onto Yale Avenue staying to the left at its intersection with Princeton Avenue. Look for parking after the intersection and the walkway into the park is on the left side of the road. Look for a cement walkway between homes.

Hours: Sunrise to sunset

Address: 7035 Delmar Blvd, University City, MO 63130