Ready to get outdoors? Here are 5 top Belleville-area spots to enjoy this spring
As Belleville finally starts to see some sunny weather with temperatures in the 70s, you may be ready to kiss winter goodbye and get outside.
We’ve rounded up some of the best places to hike, play sports, picnic and garden in the area. Check out these metro-east options to enjoy spring.
Moody Park
Whether you’re looking for sports, walking trails or picnic spots, Moody Park in Fairview Heights has something for you.
The 90 acres feature two playgrounds, a walking and jogging trail, picnic areas and a large lake. You can also play on the football field, softball and baseball diamond, sand volleyball courts and soccer field, and there’s a concession stand available. Pavilions can be rented for events.
Location: 525 South Ruby Lane, Fairview Heights, IL 62208
Laderman Park
Laderman Park offers 22 acres to explore, including a 1-mile walking trail, basketball court, horseshoe courts, a lighted soccer field, volleyball courts, two lighted softball diamonds and playground equipment.
Barbecue grills and pavilion rentals are also available.
Location: 1105 Mascoutah Ave., Belleville, IL 62220
Belleville Heart Garden
This hidden gem is open to the public free of charge. The community garden features native plants and sustainable gardening techniques.
Volunteers meet from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturdays and 4:30 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, weather permitting, to tend to the garden and plant new seeds. The land is showcasing an herb garden, tulips, serviceberry, apples, blueberries and more.
More information about getting involved with the community garden can be found at its Facebook page. The group also has a community orchard at 722 S High St.
Location: 806 S High St., Belleville, IL 62220
Julius J. Knobeloch Woods
You can enjoy a ¾-mile loop trail and a nature preserve at the Julius J. Knobeloch Woods.
The preserve offers more than 35 acres of nature to explore, and management focuses on controlling exotic species.
Location: 3018 Rentchler Road, Belleville, IL 62221
Preston Community Garden
Preston Community Garden is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The garden is a nonprofit organization that relies on membership dues to maintain plots. An adult plot is $25 per year, and a child’s plot is $10 per year. You can sponsor someone who may not have the resources to pay for a plot by emailing support@prestoncommunitygarden.org. You can also email patrice@prestoncommunitygarden.org for volunteer opportunities.
The public is welcome to visit the garden during open hours to tour the plots.
Location: 733 North 11th St., East St. Louis, IL 62201
This story was originally published April 22, 2022 at 4:03 PM.
