Great park we found out about from friends who discovered the ENORMOUS play structure here. The…read morepark includes the aforementioned playland, some baseball diamonds, an aquatic center and plenty of free space for the chilluns to burn off some energy. The benches and pavilions are quite nice as well and make for some perfect outdoor dining on spring evenings. It's located on the east side of Iowa City just past Sycamore mall, so it's a bit of a jaunt for those in North Liberty or Coralville. That said, it's not all that far and it's worth it for the playland. A must check out for families and close to Jimmy Jacks so you can get some legit takeout BBQ while you're here!

Do you ever wish there was an adult playground?…read more You know, where you could swing gleefully, strain to monkey across some bars or slide as you grin ear to ear-- maybe even build a completely BA sandcastle? Oh and most importantly, this mythical dream park is for ADULTS ONLY. If you have, consider yourself warned: DO NOT go to Mercer Park. Because oh my gosh, you'll be totally jealous at what the Iowa City kiddos get to play on. Iowa City's largest play area (I'm hard pressed to think of a bigger one) is only two years old and is pure magic. It's got a sensory play center, a net climbing course, a MASSIVE tower with enclosed slide and equipment meant for kiddos ages 2-to-5. There are also shelters, picnic tables, grills, lit baseball/softball fields, tee ball field, tennis courts, a refurbish old fire engine play structure... you name it-- it's got it. Even the indoor aquatic center lives at Mercer, too. There's ample parking and literally kids (and adults?) of all ages will enjoy it. My kids (ages 2 and 4) absolutely love the ginormous tower and crazy four person seesaw. Come check it out!

Penn Meadows Park is a solid location for softball tournaments!…read more It boasts nine well maintained baseball/softball fields, plenty of space for warmups, a few batting cages, trees for shade between games and plenty of bathrooms. My only three qualms are that 1) parking can be a bit crazy on tournament days, 2) the dugouts are insanely small with only one entrance and 3) the fields are numbered however they are named, too. You really have to scope out the map to figure out where 'OPTIMIST' field is or 'Pizza Ranch' field. (I get sponsorships, but let's just keep fields numbered as it's more intuitive...) I believe it is the largest park in NL. It has: picnic shelters, a few soccer fields, a playground, a volleyball court and some newer tennis courts. Additionally, there is a trail around the park. My 10U softball team took second place at the tournament here this weekend! We definitely enjoyed playing at Penn Meadows Park.

Very nice pickleball courts and friendly people. I believe there were 6 or 8 dedicated pb courts.read more

This is a great park if you have children. It features a splash pad for children in the summer and…read morea nice playground. It has a covered area with tables for birthday parties and grills for public use. The easiest way to find it and park is on Lakeside Drive. Street parking so not ideal. Park is also a Pokestop, and is active with Pokeswarms, so you can attach a lure and play while the kids play.

Things i like about this park. Farmers market is a plus. But today over my lunch i noticed all…read morethese people walking this path so i parked and I was grateful for sunshine and fresh air in December .

Parked here for easy access to the Cedar Valley Bike Trail. Bathrooms, water fountain, bike repair…read morestation all nearby. Large pavilion for picnics. Large open grassy area and a basketball court. Not sure but I'm guessing you could reserve the shelter for a large group outing. Plenty of parking.

Quiet park area tucked away behind the commercial area off of Boyson Rd…read more There is a small playground for the kids, and a wide open disc golf area. Not many trees, so there is little shade in the summer. In season there are also restrooms available. A surprising amenity is free wi-do.