It’s been a week since we posted our blog highlighting some of Lafayette’s parks and what they have to offer. Unfortunately, the winter weather hasn’t budged much since. The ground is still covered in snow and it’s still bitter cold. But the good news is that we’re a week closer to spring!
This week, you guessed it, we’re heading west of the river and highlighting some of West Lafayette’s parks. On the homepage of its website, West Lafayette touts itself as “home to beautiful parks and miles of scenic walking and bike trails.” And we’re going to have to agree with that!
Just like its twin city, West Lafayette has much to offer when it comes to outdoor recreation!
1) Cumberland Park
3101 North Salisbury Street
Located on West Lafayette’s north end, Cumberland Park consists of 62 acres, 16 of which make up the Michaud-Sinninger Woods Nature Preserve and 14 of which make up the open turf/soccer area. If you’re looking to enjoy a peaceful walk or run, the park offers a half mile footpath. And for the sports fanatics, Cumberland Park is also home to two lighted softball fields, two basketball courts, and the Pony League Baseball field.
2) George E. Lommel Park
2832 Wilshire Avenue
Located in the Bar Barry Heights neighborhood, this five-acre park has so much to offer! Some of its features include picnic tables, a play field, a shelter, grill, playground, and a Little Free Library. The park was originally acquired from the Purdue Research Foundation during the development of the subdivision.
3) Happy Hollow Park
1301 Happy Hollow Road
Nestled between North Salisbury Street and Happy Hollow Road, Happy Hollow Park is fairly large 81 acres to be exact. Calling all hikers! The Trolley Line Trail offers a one-mile paved path of beautiful scenery. In addition, there is also one mile of Footpaths including the Salisbury Street, Garden, and Rose Street Trails. Other amenities include picnic tables, multiple shelters, a volleyball court, grills, and a playground.
4) Wabash Heritage Trail Side Park
North River Road & Quincey Street
Located just to the west of the Wabash River and north of the Harrison Street Bridge on North River Road, this 14-acre park includes an eight-acre pond that sits off of the Wabash Heritage Trail. If you need a break while hiking along the trail, this is a great stopping point!
5) Lincoln Park
255 Lincoln Street
This small, half-acre park is located in the New Chauncey neighborhood. If you’re out taking a stroll, this park makes for the perfect place to let the kids enjoy the playground while you sit back and relax. Or if you’re looking for a pleasant spot to have a picnic, this park is calling your name!
6) Trailhead Park
1485 West 350 North #1373
West Lafayette is home to the 8.5-mile Northwest Greenway Trail, which holds designation as a National Recreation Trail. Being part of the National Trail System, it is a main feature in the network of parks and open space that it passes through. If you find yourself on the trail and need to take a break, Trailhead Park consists of four acres and contains a picnic shelter.
7) Tapawingo Park
100 Tapawingo Drive
Located along the banks of the Wabash River, this 20-acre park is home to more than a mile of the Wabash Heritage Trail, the Myers Pedestrian Bridge Plaza, Brown Street Overlook, and the Riverside Skating Center. The park opened in 1973 after Sears Roebuck and Co. donated about five acres of riverfront property to honor one of their founders and Lafayette native, Alvah Curtis Roebuck.
8) Celery Bog Nature Area/Lilly Nature Center
1620 Lindberg Road
Sitting on 195 acres, the Celery Bog Nature Center is home to the Lilly Nature Center, 4.3 miles of paved Cattail Trail, and a 1.5-mile Footpath with interpretive signs and two viewing docks. Nearly half of the nature area is a wetland, providing diverse natural settings and a plethora of wildlife.
The Lilly Nature Center offers free environmental education programs and can also be rented out.
9) Paula R. Woods Park
309 Lawn Avenue
Developed in 1988, this small, half-acre park is located in the heart of the New Chauncey neighborhood. Paula R. Woods was an active member of parks and recreation in the community and served on the West Lafayette Parks And Recreation Board for 14 years. The parks amenities include a shelter, grill, picnic tables, and a playground.
10) Tommy Johnston Neighborhood Park
Wood Street & Chauncey Street
Located directly to the south of the Purdue University campus, this .6-acre park includes a shelter, grills, a basketball court, exercise area, and picnic tables – the perfect setting for an enjoyable day outside! Tommy Johnston worked for Purdue for 45 years and served as president of the West Lafayette Parks and Recreation Board, serving for a total of 20 years.
The city of West Lafayette is also home to a series of trails, connecting the community with the city and all it has to offer. According to the city, there is nearly 27 miles of paved trails.
• Cattail Trail (6.80 miles)
• Northwest Greenway Trail (8.43 miles)
• Wabash Heritage Trail (4.28 miles)
• Village Fitness Trail (1.86 miles)
• Nighthawk Trail (.50 miles)
• Westway Trail (6.90 miles)
For more information about West Lafayette trails, visit https://www.westlafayette.in.gov/topic/subtopic.php?topicid=79&structureid=16#nw
Below is a map that displays where each park is located.
