Leon Corlew Park & Splash Pad

Imagine a modern 3-acre family oasis where the cool water meets the vibrant sounds of children's laughter. Leon Corlew Park and Splash Pad is an innovative recreational space in the suburbs of St. Louis that has been a true gift for residents and visitors to the USA since its opening in 2016.

The main highlight of this place is the splash pad—a fully accessible aquatic complex with a safe, non-slip artificial turf surface. There are no deep pools here, but there are plenty of interactive elements: from gentle bubbling fountains for the little ones to a huge tipping bucket that douses the excited crowd with a wave of spray. This makes the park an ideal spot for safe water fun.

In addition to the water attractions, the park grounds include a traditional playground, outdoor fitness zones, and picturesque gardens with native plants. The thoughtful infrastructure and high ratings among visitors confirm that this park is one of the best spots for summer leisure in the region.

To find more information about park rules or to book pavilions for events, you can use the facility's official contact details.

The main adventure here begins at the splash pad. Children can spend hours running through the spray jets, playing with rain features, and eagerly awaiting the moment the giant bucket overhead fills and pours a cascade of water over them. Thanks to the special surfacing, parents can rest easy about their little ones' safety as they explore the water mazes.

For those who prefer "dry" entertainment, the park features a modern playground with swings and slides. Adult visitors won't be left out either: outdoor fitness equipment is installed on-site, allowing you to combine supervising the kids with a light workout in the fresh air. The native gardens featuring authentic Illinois flora invite you to enjoy peaceful walks and nature contemplation.

If you plan to spend the whole day here, you can rent a covered pavilion for a family lunch. During the summer season, there is a kiosk in the park where you can purchase cold drinks and light snacks. This place is also excellent for organized groups and children's parties, offering comfortable conditions for group recreation.

You can reach this cozy getaway from downtown St. Louis by car in about 30–40 minutes. The main route follows I-270 and IL-157 north to Edwardsville. Upon arrival, look for the Public Safety Building, behind which the park is located.

For those who prefer public transportation, Madison County Transit (MCT) buses run from St. Louis to Edwardsville. From the stop, you can walk or take a local taxi. If you are arriving from another region, the nearest major hub is St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), located approximately 40 kilometers away.

Visitors traveling by car should keep in mind that parking is only permitted in designated areas marked “visitor parking.” For residents of central Edwardsville, the park is easily accessible for walking or cycling along local paths.

The history of this place is inextricably linked to the desire of Edwardsville residents to improve their urban environment. The project was developed taking citizens' opinions into account: before construction began, special focus groups were held where families shared their wishes regarding future amenities and play areas.

Leon Corlew Park and Splash Pad was officially opened on July 8, 2016. Specialists from FGM Architects and Oates Associates worked on its architectural design. The designers' main goal was to create a space that was not only aesthetically attractive but also as functional and safe as possible for children of all ages.

Particular attention was paid to the principles of high-performance design and inclusivity during construction. Thanks to this, the park has become more than just a place to play; it is an important social landmark that brings the local community together. Modern water attractions and a well-thought-out landscape quickly turned it into one of the most popular recreation zones in the St. Louis suburbs.

To fully enjoy your visit, families with children are recommended to plan for a stay of 1–2 hours. This is plenty of time to frolic in the water area, explore the dry playground, and perhaps have a small picnic in one of the pavilions.

If your goal is a simple stroll through the gardens of native flora or a quick workout on the outdoor fitness equipment, a visit may take about 30–45 minutes. On hot summer days, visitors often spend more time here, escaping the heat under the refreshing jets of water.

The park grounds are open to the public daily throughout the year from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. This allows for morning jogs or evening strolls regardless of the season.

However, the operation of the splash pad is seasonal. It typically opens in late May (on Memorial Day) and closes in early September (on Labor Day). The water attraction hours are from 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, depending on weather conditions. The snack kiosk is usually available during the same hours as the water zone. It is recommended to check the current schedule on the official City of Edwardsville website before your trip.

If you have time left after visiting the park, it's worth checking out other interesting places nearby. The surrounding area offers many options for active recreation, from water parks to modern trampoline centers, which will make your day even more eventful.