McDonnell Park facts for kids

McDonnell Park is a cool county park in St. Louis County, Missouri. It's located near the cities of Overland, St. Ann, Creve Coeur, and Maryland Heights. This park is named after James S. McDonnell, who started the famous McDonnell Douglas Aircraft company. It's a great place for families and friends to have fun outdoors!

Discover the Park's History

McDonnell Park wasn't always called that. When the land was bought in 1977, it was known as the Adie Road Parksite. It officially became a county park in 1978.

In 1980, the park's name was changed to James S. McDonnell Memorial County Park. This was done to honor James S. McDonnell after he passed away. He was a very important person in the aviation world. The house you see in the southeast part of the park is where the Park Ranger's office is located.

What Can You Do at the Park?

McDonnell Park has many cool features for everyone to enjoy.

Fitness and Bike Trail

The park has a 1.6-mile trail that winds through the area. It's perfect for jogging, running, walking, skating, or biking. Along the trail, you'll find 16 fitness stations. These stations have equipment like parallel bars, a balance beam, and a chin-up bar to help you exercise.

Natural Amphitheater

There's a special outdoor area called a natural amphitheater. It's shaped like a bowl and can seat over 200 people. It's a great spot for outdoor performances or gatherings.

Shelters and Picnic Areas

The park offers two main shelters that you can use. They both have water, electricity, barbecue pits, and restrooms. One shelter is named McDonnell Shelter, honoring James S. McDonnell. The other is called Lindbergh Shelter, named after the famous pilot Charles Lindbergh. You'll find many picnic tables around these shelters and spread throughout the park.

Playgrounds for Kids

McDonnell Park has two fun playgrounds. One is located near the Lindbergh Shelter in the northwest part of the park. The other playground is close to the McDonnell Shelter, in the middle-south area. Both are perfect for kids to play and have a good time.

Sand Volleyball Court

If you love volleyball, there's a sand volleyball court available near the Lindbergh Shelter. It's a fun way to play a game with friends or family.

Fun Events and Activities

You can rent the park's facilities for different events. People often use them for family reunions, weddings, and other special activities. McDonnell Park has also hosted the annual Fords Unlimited Car Show for more than 20 years. It's a popular spot for community gatherings!