As the school year winds down, Maria Jansen and I wanted to take a tour of the great parks in the City of Florissant. 

Try to make it a point to enjoy what the city has to offer you and your family this spring and summer. Park locations and maps can be found on the City of Florissant website.

We’ve compiled a short list that we’ll bring to you this month about the features and how it can best suit you and your family.

Bangert Park
Features: Bangert Pool, open space, horseshoe pits, two large pavillions with barbecue pits (reservations are required, and electricity is available), fenced roller hockey court, replica army tank, sand volleyball court
Bathrooms: Yes
Parking: Yes
Playgrounds: Two (Swing set at each)
Best suited for: All ages
Conducive to: Barbecues, daytime play dates, soccer/roller hockey (goals not provided)
Other comments: This is a very popular destination for many residents during the summer season. Pavilions are reserved frequently and are a great size for a large family barbecue, graduation party, etc. Playgrounds are suited for elementary age children; although younger ones do fine here also. A back pathway leads to the neighborhood through the rear of the park.

St. Ferdinand Park
Features: Tennis courts, softball fields, sand volleyball, pond, pavilions, walking (riding) circuit
Bathrooms: Yes
Parking: Around perimeter
Playgrounds: Two (Swing set at front playground)
Best suited for: All ages
Conducive to: Fitness enthusiasts, play groups, walking, pets, fishing
Other comments:  There are so many activities at St. Ferdinand Park, and I am there at least three days a week in the summer. There is a large playground in the front with a swing set and a smaller structure in the rear of the park next to the pond. The larger pavilions are reserved early in the year, but the smaller ones are great for a family picnic or small party (Call the James J. Eagan Center for more information on which ones can be reserved). The paved loop on the park measures .8 miles and is a slight uphill/downhill terrain makes it great for jogging/walking. Fishing is allowed (with proper license) and the ducks are eager for handouts.

Florissant Valley Park (James J. Eagan Center)
Features: Playground, open field, fenced competitive soccer field
Bathrooms: Inside Community Center
Parking: Yes
Playgrounds: One with swing set
Best suited for: All ages
Conducive to: Playing
Other comments: Hidden behind the soccer field, you will find a small playground to keep the kids occupied. It is a popular spot in the afternoons after schools release, so families with young children might want to stop by during the early daytime hours. 

Mullanphy Park
Features: Pavilion, Large swing set, tennis courts, open space, two paved courts (one with basketball hoops, one fenced).
Bathrooms: Yes
Parking: Yes
Playgrounds: Yes
Best suited for: All ages
Conducive to: Family parties, family outing, tennis, Frisbee, flying kites
Other comments: This is a great park for residents in the surrounding neighborhoods. Less crowded than Koch or St. Ferdinand, Mullanphy Park offers a great space to run, play on the playground or get a game of Ultimate Frisbee together. There is a large field on the top of the hill great for flying a kite. A favorite for my kids is playing in the pebble rocks that cover the swing set area. 

Champlain-Florval Park
Features: Swing set, picnic table, climbing apparatus
Bathrooms: No
Parking: No
Playgrounds: No
Best suited for: Elementary-age children
Conducive to: Climbing, swinging
Other comments: This is a small park tucked deep inside the neighborhood. The equipment is older and includes one swing set and climbing structure (no slides).