Turtle Playground

Recreation Division is a part of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry, which is governed by the City of St. Louis. Recreation Division offers free access to nearly 15 swimming pools and recreation centers. The division organizes summer camps and sports activities, as well as provides assistance with homework for students. The department s Parks Division operates more than 100 parks that host various summer concerts, picnics and ball games. Its Forestry Division helps to improve the quality of life by enhancing and maintaining the surrounding environment. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry additionally plants several trees. The department operates Forest Park, which epitomizes various recreational, cultural and historical attractions through its facilities and institutions.

St Louis Parks & Recreation, located in Saint Louis, MO, is home to the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Forestry. The Parks Division oversees 108 parks in the city, providing tranquil retreats amidst urban life. Meanwhile, the Recreation Division offers a diverse range of activities such as swimming, weight lifting, basketball, and arts and crafts for the enjoyment of St. Louis residents. Generated from the website content

Turtle Playground is an urban playground and sculpture park in St. Louis, Missouri. It features a variety of large and small concrete reptiles, mostly turtles, on which people can climb. The park was designed by local legend Bob Cassilly, creator of St. Louis' City Museum.Parking at Turtle PlaygroundParking is free, but limited. Many people park for free at Turtle Playground, then walk to the nearby St. Louis Zoo. Street parking is available but limited also. If the weather's nice and the Zoo is busy, plan to walk a couple blocks at least.If using public transit, take the Metrolink to the DeBaliviere/Forest Park station then hop aboard the #3 Forest Park Trolley at DeBaliviere and Pershing.Other Nearby AttractionsThe Zoo is on the other side of the nearby overpass. The City Museum, another quirky attraction where art meets play, is only a 6-mile trek down I-64 E. Another kids' favorite, the St. Louis Science Center, is within 2 miles as well.Must See/Do at the ParkSnap some photos – No trip is complete without getting your pic taken inside a turtle's mouth or beside the giant snake taking a bite out of the highway overpass.AdmissionThe playground is completely free, year-round. Visitors are welcome 7 days a week from dusk until 10 pm.Best and Worst Times to Go to Turtle PlaygroundAs the zoo goes, Turtle Playground goes. Busiest times are weekends in the spring and fall and all throughout the summer. Weekday mornings and late afternoons during the school year are often not very busy, as school groups tend to skip Turtle Playground and go straight for the zoo.Insider Tip for Turtle Playground VisitorsRainwater accumulates in and around the stone turtles' giant gaping mouths after a downpour. Best to avoid Turtle Playground immediately after it rains if clean clothes are a concern.Author's bio: Marcus Whelchel lives, works, and romps in St. Louis, Missouri, with his wife and daughter. When he is not climbing stone turtles, he is writing the OK American novel.