“Dad” Perry Park

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Description

Alright, let’s paint you a picture: trees arching overhead, squirrels plotting their acrobatic stunts, and a thrum of life from the distant playground as kids holler with that pure, unfiltered joy you see on a lazy Saturday afternoon. That’s “Dad” Perry Park. A lot of people come here with their families, sure, but I’ve wandered through on sleepy weekday mornings with just my dog and a half-warm cup of coffee, and the magic is just as real. It’s got this comfortable, lived-in energy—not fussed over, not ignored either—where you always stumble on folks making it their own, whether it’s a heated tennis match, a stroller parade along the trails, or some teens taking over the volleyball court with their half-mud, half-laughter games.

What I particularly love (and, honestly, this may be an acquired taste) is how “Dad” Perry Park is never trying too hard. It’s not that show-off kind of touristy attraction screaming for selfies—no, it’s the place where locals and savvy travelers cross paths. Someone might be grilling up burgers near the picnic tables while, just a shout away, birthday balloons whip in the Kansas winds and dogs happily try to make new friends (the slobbery, tail-wagging kind of friends, of course). I’ve even known folks to hold surprise parties here—given the easygoing mix of privacy and open space, it kind of makes sense.

Don’t look for staged perfection. There are stretches of wildflowers beside mowed-and-‘whoops-forgot-this-bit’ grass. The equipment shows marks of a childhood well-lived. Honestly, if you’re after a park that feels real and invites you to kick off your shoes and join in with the world as it rumbles by—this is it. You want tales spun around a barbecue smoke or a soccer goal triumph yelled across the fields, not polished brochure shots. “Dad” Perry Park is honest-to-goodness Lawrence, Kansas charm—down to earth and welcoming.

Key Features

• Nature Trails: Meandering paths cut through greenbelt woods, perfect for casual strolls, fitness runs, or finding a little daydreaming peace. If you like counting birdcalls or breathing in that pure, leafy air, you’ll eat this up.
• Playground: Slides, swings, climbing equipment—enough challenge and giggles for the wildest young imaginations. I’ll admit, I’ve swung from the monkey bars more than once (judgment-free zone, please).
• Sports Facilities: Regulation tennis courts—surface a little sun-bleached, but the games are serious. There’s also volleyball courts, and soccer fields for everything from league matches to spontaneous chaos with friends.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: Thoughtfully designed with accessible entrances and parking, so everyone can claim a patch of sunshine here.
• Barbecue Grills & Picnic Tables: Plenty of spots for grilling and group picnics—honestly, some of my favorite memories here are grilled corn and card games under dappled shade.
• Public Restrooms: Nothing fancy but always appreciated, especially by families and long-walkers.
• Dog-Friendly: Leashed pups rule this park—fetching, tumbling, and occasionally photobombing your picnics. It’s a canine social club, and my own four-legged goofball gives it two wags up.
• Open Spaces & Birthday Scene: Frequently booked for kids’ birthday bashes, from cake in the shelter to treasure hunts among the trees. Best to reserve a table if you’re planning a celebration straight out of a movie.

Best Time to Visit

I’ve got to say—you really see “Dad” Perry Park at its shiniest in late spring and fall. Kansas summers crank up the heat, so unless you’re genuinely a lizard, the midday blaze can melt your resolve faster than ice cream left on the picnic table. That being said, I once caught a dusk soccer match in July, lightning bugs flickering everywhere, and it was pretty magical.

Mid-April to early June is prime. The grass is springy, the playground is bustling but not wild, and the grills start picking up that unmistakable smoky aroma as the days lengthen out. September and early October deliver an autumnal treat—rustling leaves, cooler breezes, a patchwork of red and gold through the trails. Not to get nostalgic, but it’s when I’ve seen the park’s goofy, lovely, laid-back heart on full display.

If crowds aren’t your thing, weekdays (especially mornings) are sleepier, with just dog walkers, retirees on scenic ambles, and the odd student finding WiFi under a tree for remote lessons. But, for full Kansas Americana—late Saturday afternoons are the sweet spot.

How to Get There

Now, if you’re not a local—don’t sweat it. Lawrence is refreshingly easy to get around, even if your sense of direction is, say, questionable (I’ve been there more times than I care to count). Most folks drive, since the park’s location sits right in the city, but set your GPS and you’ll be led straight to its entrance in no time. Parking is free and generally plentiful, unless you’re showing up during one of those peak birthday bonanzas or on a community tournament day, then maybe pack a pinch of patience.

Public transport does the trick too; check the city’s routes—there’s a stop within a few minutes’ stroll of the entrance, and sidewalks connect you safely to the park from surrounding neighborhoods. Honestly, biking in is a real treat—the nearby paths blend into the park trails, making for a breezy entrance while you scope out the best grill spot ahead of the crowd.

Travel tip: If you’re wheeling in with a loaded vehicle (grills, sports gear, toddlers, you name it), I’d recommend arriving early to snag a spot close to the playground or barbecue area. Less to lug!

Tips for Visiting

• Scout Picnic Spots Early: On weekends, the popular picnic tables fill up lightning quick, especially if the weather’s sweet. Claim your spot (and bring extra chairs for overflow guests—I promise, there’ll be overflow guests).
• Plan for Shade: The Kansas sun is relentless, so hats, sunscreen, and even a pop-up umbrella can save you from a souvenir sunburn. There’s shade under trees, but the playground itself is pretty open.
• Paws and Etiquette: Dogs are welcome, but leash up and scoop after your sidekick. You’ll quickly discover the regulars; my mutt has a better social life here than I do.
• Bring Your Own Gear: Tennis rackets, volleyballs, birthday banners, or even a soccer ball—if it’s active fun, toss it in the trunk. The park leaves the game setups to you!
• Pack for Weather: Kansas is notorious for mood-swing weather. Rainy spells can make trails a touch muddy (fun if you’re six, less so for laundry), and sudden wind gusts mean you’ll want to anchor down your tablecloths and birthday balloons.
• Accessibility is Solid: Got a stroller or a wheelchair in tow? The main paths and restrooms are accessible, making it welcoming for all ages and abilities.
• Birthday Central: Thinking of hosting a party? Call ahead or go early to nab your spot. First-come, first-served is the name of the game, and you’ll see balloons and piñatas dotting the groves come springtime.
• Clean Up, Please: The park’s charm comes from everyone pulling their weight. Trash bins are scattered throughout, so pack out what you pack in—future visitors (and the squirrels) will thank you.
• Room for Solo Moments: And don’t feel like you need a crowd. I’ve spent many breezy afternoons reading by myself here, enjoying the warmth of the community without having to say a word. It’s welcoming like that—let the mood fit your plans, not the other way around.
• Check Events: Occasionally, you’ll stumble into local events—fun runs, casual tournaments, maybe even a yoga class alfresco. Keep an eye out (or ask a local) if you’re hankering for more communal vibes.

In the end, “Dad” Perry Park has this way of giving you exactly what you’re after, whether that’s childhood squeals from the playground, the snap of tennis balls at dusk, or just a quiet moment shaded by old oaks. It isn’t perfect, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s real, and it has heart. And that’s rare enough to be worth a visit—a couple, actually, since no two trips here ever feel the same.

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