Living in the St. Louis area gives college students access to a variety of affordable activities. Among the most popular options are local parks, which offer space for exercise, relaxation and connection. For students and staff at Missouri Baptist University, these parks are more than just places to spend time outdoors– they are meaningful settings where relationships grow, personal goals are achieved and life-changing moments unfold.
The St. Louis area offers college students access to a wide range of activities.
While wonderful spots such as the St. Louis Zoo and the St. Louis Art Museum offer free admission, few options are more affordable than spending time at a local park.
Several parks near campus hold special meaning for students and faculty at Missouri Baptist University.
Abby Hardy, a junior nursing major, has an especially memorable connection to her favorite STL park: Creve Coeur Lake Park.
On March 19, 2026, on the beach of the dazzling blue lake, the love of her life asked her to marry him.
The couple has been together since November 2021 and are excited to get married in summer 2027.
In addition to that milestone moment, Hardy praises Creve Coeur Lake for its wide range of outdoor activities.
“It has sand volleyball nets, lots of trails and things you can rent, like kayaks. There is so much to do there,” said Hardy.
She also enjoys exercising on the Lakeview Loop Trail, as it is scenic and relatively flat.
Melanie Heflin, resident director at North Hall, also frequents her favorite St. Louis park for exercise.
“I go to Forest Park about three to four times a week, normally in the evening around sunset, because that’s where I do my runs. And then I’ll go there on Saturday or Sunday and do my long runs,” said Heflin.
She appreciates the variety of running routes, noting that the park’s size prevents her from getting bored, even during long marathon training sessions.
After completing four half marathon races and training extensively in Forest Park, Heflin completed the Greater St. Louis Marathon on April 11, 2026.
Heflin believes that her strength and endurance to run comes from her reliance on God.
Her first visit to Forest Park was a few years ago for RA Training during a period of quiet time with the Lord.
Although she primarily spends her time there independently, Heflin also enjoys taking her loved ones to the park.
“It’s my go-to place to take people because it is my favorite spot in St. Louis and I want everybody else to experience it as well,” said Heflin.
Kailey Schmidt, a senior communications studies major, also has a strong connection to her favorite park.
Schmidt and her family have visited Fenton City Park for as long as they have lived in the St. Louis area.
After nine years of walks with her friends and picnics with her family, Schmidt formed a new relationship there.
“There is a pickleball group that meets at Fenton Park on Sunday evenings. I started going to that pretty much every week in the fall. And I actually met my boyfriend there,” said Schmidt.
The happy pair now attends the pickleball group together and are making wonderful memories, all thanks to that beautiful fall day at Fenton Park.
From milestone moments to everyday routines, these St. Louis parks have become the setting for memories that will last a lifetime for these ladies at MBU.
