Donnelly Park

Updated August 12, 2025

Description

Donnelly Park is one of those places that feels like it belongs to the community just as much as it belongs to nature. It’s a 10-acre public space where a calm lake takes center stage, often dotted with ducks and geese gliding along like they own the place. You can hear their soft honks and quacks before you even see the water, which always makes the walk in feel a little more alive. The park has a kind of easy-going charm — not flashy, not overdone — just a spot where people come to relax, play, and breathe a bit deeper.

It’s the kind of park where you might see a dad teaching his kid to ride a bike on the paved paths, a group of friends shooting hoops on the basketball court, or a couple of teenagers practicing tricks at the skateboarding area. Families often set up for the afternoon at the picnic tables, some even firing up the barbecue grills for a proper cookout. And if you’ve got kids, the wooden play structure is a big hit — slides, swings, and plenty of space for climbing. It’s sturdy, a little old-school, and somehow more inviting because of it.

Accessibility is clearly part of the design here. There’s wheelchair-friendly parking and entrances, so no one’s left out of the fun. And yes, there are public restrooms — which, if you’ve spent any time in parks, you know is a bigger deal than it sounds. Dogs are welcome too, which means you’ll often spot someone tossing a ball for their pup or just strolling with a leash in one hand and a coffee in the other.

Like any public space, it’s not perfect. You might occasionally run into a bit of litter or a patch of grass that’s seen better days. But overall, the atmosphere is relaxed, friendly, and very much about community. If you’re looking for a slice of local life rather than a manicured tourist attraction, this is exactly the kind of place to spend a few hours.

Key Features

• 10-acre community park with a central lake home to ducks and geese
• Wooden play structure with slides and swings for children
• Picnic tables and barbecue grills for gatherings
• Basketball court and skateboarding area for active visitors
• Wheelchair accessible entrances and parking
• Public restrooms available on-site
• Dog-friendly environment

Best Time to Visit

Spring and early summer are especially lovely here. The weather’s warm but not sweltering, and the lake tends to be lively with waterfowl activity. You’ll see ducklings trailing behind their mothers and geese strutting like they’re in charge of the place. Fall has its own charm — cooler air, quieter afternoons, and a calmness that makes the park feel almost private during weekdays.

If you’re not a fan of crowds, avoid weekend afternoons when families and birthday parties tend to fill up the picnic spots. Early mornings are peaceful year-round, with joggers circling the lake and the occasional fisherman casting a line. Personally, I think there’s something magical about visiting just after sunrise, when the mist still lingers over the water and the park feels like it’s waking up with you.

How to Get There

Donnelly Park sits in a spot that’s pretty easy to reach whether you’re driving in from nearby neighborhoods or coming from further out. If you’re driving, there’s parking close to the entrances, and it’s straightforward to find a space most days. Public transportation options vary depending on where you’re coming from, but local buses can drop you within walking distance. Cyclists can make use of nearby bike routes, and the park itself is bike-friendly — just remember to be mindful of pedestrians on the shared paths.

If you’re traveling with kids or dogs, driving might be the most convenient option since you can pack all the gear, snacks, and toys you’ll need without juggling it on foot. And because the park is in a central part of town, you can easily combine your visit with a stop for lunch or coffee nearby.

Tips for Visiting

Bring some bread or bird feed, but make sure it’s safe for ducks and geese — bread isn’t great for them, so oats or cracked corn are a better choice. If you’re planning a picnic, arrive a bit earlier to snag a good table under the shade. The barbecue grills are first-come, first-served, so timing can make or break your cookout plans.

Wear comfortable shoes because you’ll probably end up walking more than you expect. Even if you come just to sit by the lake, the paths have a way of drawing you in for “just a short stroll” that turns into a full loop. And don’t forget sunscreen — there are shaded areas, but plenty of sunny spots too.

For pet owners, bring a leash and waste bags. The park’s dog-friendly, but keeping it clean ensures it stays that way. If you’re visiting with kids, a change of clothes might be wise; between the playground, the grass, and possibly a splash near the lake, they’ll find a way to get messy.

Lastly, come with a little flexibility in your plans. Sometimes the best part of Donnelly Park isn’t the activity you planned, but the unexpected — like a spontaneous chat with a local, spotting a turtle sunbathing on the lake’s edge, or just lying back on the grass and letting the afternoon drift by.

Key Highlights

• 10-acre community park with a central lake home to ducks and geese
• Wooden play structure with slides and swings for children
• Picnic tables and barbecue grills for gatherings
• Basketball court and skateboarding area for active visitors
• Wheelchair accessible entrances and parking
• Public restrooms available on-site
• Dog-friendly environment

Location

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