Autumn Adventures: Parks to Visit During the Fall Season
- ltabaka5
- Sep 4
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 2
As the fall season approaches in St. Louis, our region’s parks begin a remarkable transformation, showcasing vibrant foliage and offering opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in new and memorable ways. We are pleased to highlight some parks that not only capture the beauty of autumn but also host events and activities for the community throughout the season.
Planning Design Studio is proud to have played a role in the design of each of these parks. From thoughtful landscapes that highlight seasonal color to amenities that invite year-round use, our work reflects a commitment to creating spaces where people can connect with nature and with one another. This fall, these parks will continue to provide the community with opportunities for recreation, celebration, and enjoyment of the changing season.
Des Peres Park
Des Peres Park is a cherished community destination that becomes especially inviting in the fall. Mature trees and thoughtfully integrated plantings create a colorful backdrop to the park's features, while the park’s open spaces and natural features provide a peaceful setting to enjoy the season.
The park offers a wide variety of amenities designed to serve residents of all ages. A network of walking trails weaves through the park, connecting to multiple playgrounds, tennis and pickleball courts, soccer fields, baseball/softball fields, shuffleboard courts, a scenic pond, and multiple pavilions, all for gatherings and events.
In addition to its amenities, Des Peres Park hosts seasonal programming and community events that bring residents together in celebration of local traditions, such as "Bonfires and Hayrides" and the Fall Fest Pumpkin Glow. These gatherings highlight the park’s role as both a recreational hub and a central gathering place for the City of Des Peres.
Kirkwood Park
Kirkwood Park offers a stunning display in the fall, with its diverse collection of trees and native plantings transforming into a vibrant tapestry of seasonal color. The central lake is enhanced by surrounding aquatic vegetation, creating a dynamic and picturesque landscape that reflects the natural beauty of the park.
In addition to its scenic character, Kirkwood Park provides a wide array of amenities for year-round enjoyment. A walking trail loops throughout the park, connecting visitors to two expansive playgrounds, multiple pavilions, a comfort station, a fishing dock, and a central lake with a natural stream. The park also features four tennis courts that can be converted for pickleball use, as well as several softball fields, offering recreational opportunities for all ages and interests.
Each September, Kirkwood Park comes alive with the annual Greentree Festival, a signature community event featuring local vendors, games, and family-friendly activities. This celebration highlights both the vibrancy of the community and the versatility of the park as a gathering space.
Whitecliff Park
Whitecliff Park in Crestwood is a community gem that showcases the beauty of each season, with autumn bringing particularly striking color to its wooded hillsides and natural landscapes. Native plantings and mature trees highlight the park’s scenic character, while its trails and open spaces provide the perfect setting for outdoor recreation and exploration.
The park is home to a wide range of amenities designed to serve the diverse needs of the community. Visitors can enjoy an extensive trail system, multiple playgrounds, athletic fields, and tennis courts. Whitecliff Park is also home to Crestwood’s Aquatic Center, a destination for summer recreation, as well as the Thomas Sappington House and Whitecliff Theatre, which add cultural and historic dimensions to the park experience. Pavilions, picnic areas, and open green spaces further enhance the park’s role as a gathering place for families and community events, such as "An Evening at Whitecliff Park: Touch-a-Truck, Movie Night & Meet Your BOA" and the Blues and Brews Whitecliff Bash.
A unique highlight of the park is the Whitecliff Quarry, where Planning Design Studio contributed to the design of a boardwalk that allows visitors to take in the quarry’s scenic views from new perspectives. This feature connects visitors more closely to the site’s natural character while creating an inviting place to pause and enjoy the park’s landscape.
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