Willmore Park includes a playground for all children even those with disabilities and a 1.5-mile paved trail winding around two lakes.
It is a 105-acre park located near the River Des Peres in the St. Louis Hills neighborhood near the intersection of Gravois and Hampton Avenue in St. Louis.
MY TIME HERE
Playground
I parked along Jamieson Avenue near the park’s playground built with the idea of Unlimited Play, inspired by neighborhood kid Zachary.
Because of Zach’s disabilities, traditional playgrounds did not allow him to play with his friends and family. But like all children, Zach loves to play.
Unlimited Play allows children of all abilities to play side by side with their siblings, parents, and friends – a place where children could learn to accept each other. Ramps and handrails, steps, swings, and special surfacing help play happen.
Playground equipment here has a universal theme with the quote “The sky’s the limit” on a walkway and even a painting of the planets spinning around the sun.
Near the playground is a roller hockey rink and a fun time for kids after school.
First Lake
After going by the playground I came to the front of a lake with a bridge in the middle crossing a small channel separating the lake into two parts.
Ducks and geese swam in the water as others stood to watch along the cement walkway around the lake.
In the distance across a parking lot are baseball fields and a dog park.
I headed around the lake to a large hill.
Second Lake
I stopped for a moment to stand on a cement pier looking out across another lake.
Then I headed towards the front of the park near Hampton Avenue finding a trail going along a brook that flows into the second lake. I saw a disc golf course basket. During warmer months it might be nice to watch this game take place throughout the park.
I passed by a fishing pier with a rail that goes out into the lake allowing a fisherman to catch a big one.
Benches line the walk allowing for a place for a break.
Now I was on the other side of the hill going back towards the playground where I had parked.
Final Thoughts
I like that Willmore Park has a playground built for those with disabilities. It was also a nice mix of open spaces, woods, and lakes. It is an easy walk to do with small kids since it is all paved and only has about 15 feet of elevation gain.
Willmore Park History
Cyrus Crane Willmore, a prominent St. Louis businessman, invested in subdivisions such as St. Louis Hills donated the land for the park. It was the last major park developed by the city of St. Louis established in 1947.
DETAILS:
Tennis Courts and picnic shelters are also in the park.
Drive: From Interstate 55 going south exit onto Germania Street, which becomes Hampton Avenue, go right onto it and look for the park on the left after you pass Gravois Avenue. Make a left onto Jamieson Avenue if you want to be near the playground and park near its intersection with Loughborough Avenue along the street.
From Interstate 55 going north take Carondelet Boulevard going left down Germania which becomes River Des Peres Boulevard. Then make a right onto Gravois Avenue and then another left onto Hampton Avenue. Make a left onto Jamieson Avenue if you want to be near the playground and park near its intersection with Loughborough Avenue along the street.
Hours: 6 am – 10 pm
Address: 7200 Hampton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63109
Lunch Stop: Le Grand’s Market
I had a warmed-up sub sandwich, chips, and soda. It is usually busy around lunchtime showing how it is a go-to place in the neighborhood.
Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Tuesday- Saturday; 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Sunday; Closed Mondays.
Address: 4414 Donovan Ave, St. Louis
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