Urban Dad Hikes: Frozen In Time at Shaw Park

Walking down frozen cascades leading to a frozen pond was part of my winter adventure at Shaw Park near downtown Clayton.

The park is just west of the St. Louis County Courthouse and is adjacent to the Clayton High School.

Here I took a 1.7 walk on the paved trails through the 47-acre park.

Information signs can be found throughout the park.

My Walk at Shaw Park

I parked near the intersection of Forsyth Boulevard and Brentwood Boulevard. There is also a free parking lot on Shaw Park Drive right before Forest Park Parkway.

Chapman Plaza

I checked out Chapman Plaza first. Usually, a cascading waterfall flows here next to garden beds in the summer.

Today the water was still flowing but under the ice.

The pond here was also frozen over except for the fountains shooting out water and forming icy mounds at the bottom.

I linger there a bit walking out to the pergola for a different view of the icy world before me.

Sensory Garden covered in snow during winter.

Near the pavilion is the Sensory Garden where during the summer children can see different colored flowers and smell fragrant plants.

A bit cold to swim today — A bit cold to swim.

Aquatic Center

I headed uphill by the Shaw Park Aquatic Center, which has an Olympic-sized pool and even a high dive. Looking at the snow-filled pool and thought it was much too cold to swim.

Molecular Bloom sculpture with the cityscape

Century Garden

Between the pool and the now-closed ice rink to be redone is the Century Garden. It is home to the sculpture Molecular Bloom With Single Flower by James Surls. Which sort of resembles a metallic tree and if you look at it from the park side fits well with the tall buildings behind it.

Giant icicles at Enterprise Holdings Pavilion

Enterprise Holdings Pavilion Area

Enterprise Holdings Pavilion in the middle of the park has long icicles hanging off of it.

I didn’t expect to see deer tracks so near the city center in Clayton in the park.

I walked through the valley area where there are many picnic tables and a small playground.

Back Side of Shaw Park

Towards the back of the park where the Centennial Greenway connects with the park, you can take a much longer hike up along Interstate to Olive Boulevard outside of the park. I passed by baseball and other sports fields.

By Clayton High School Grounds

I turned right and walk by the football field for the Clayton High School Greyhounds.

Next, I came across an art piece with chairs tilting on each other in the colors of orange and blue fronting the Clayton School District office.

I go uphill by the school to take a few cityscape photos then back down towards the park.

By The ‘Treetop’ Playground

Down some steps, I come across the “Treetop” playground done with a treehouse theme. Designed for all kids to play, with adaptive swings, and ramps up to play structures. There are even musical instruments to play.

Outside of the playground is a sculpture that has a tuba-like head, furry arms, and legs riding a tricycle.

After going by the playground I headed out for lunch.

Final Thoughts

Frozen cascades made this an interesting walk along with cityscape views of downtown Clayton. Rolling terrain and sculptures add interest to the jaunt in this park.

History of Shaw Park

The Shaw family donated land for the park. Clayton Mayor Charles A. Shaw founded Shaw Park in 1935. Developed from 1935-1936 as part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA).

DETAILS

Drive: Take Interstate 170 north from Interstate 64 and exit at 1F and go right onto Ladue Road/Maryland Avenue then take another right onto Brentwood Boulevard with the last right onto Shaw Park Drive where there is the main parking lot.

Hours: 6 am – 11 pm

Address: 27 S. Brentwood Blvd, Clayton, MO 63105

Lunch Stop

City Coffeehouse & Creperie

I had lunch at City Coffeehouse & Creperie, which is within walking distance of the park. I bought a Nutella and strawberries and an egg and cheese crepes.

The crapes were well cooked and the sweetness of the strawberries and chocolate made for a perfect treat. The crepes were big so I will have the egg and cheese one for breakfast tomorrow.

Address: 36 N Brentwood Blvd, Clayton, MO 63105