Wesselman Park

Recreational Features

Sprawling across roughly 170 acres, Wesselman Park blends recreational facilities and natural beauty to create one of Evansville's most versatile outdoor spaces. With its mix of open areas, sports facilities, and trails, it's a popular spot where locals gather for everything from casual strolls to competitive sports.

The crown jewel of recent improvements is a $1.3 million fully accessible playground funded through the American Rescue Plan. Built where baseball batting cages once stood, this inclusive play space welcomes children of all abilities and has quickly become a family favorite in the area.

Playground Area

The playground strikes a smart balance with separate structures for big kids and little ones, ensuring everyone has age-appropriate challenges and fun. You'll find a total of six swings - two designed for babies and four standard ones - so nobody has to wait too long for their turn to soar.

Parents will appreciate that the playground is gated and shaded - a combination that makes supervision easier while providing much-needed relief from Indiana's summer heat. The accessible design means every child gets to join in the fun, regardless of mobility or other challenges.

Sports Facilities

The park has a pickleball complex featuring 16 courts designed for both casual players and tournament competition. The courts are thoughtfully divided between challenge courts and open play areas, but it's worth checking any posted guidelines before jumping into a game.

Tennis players haven't been forgotten either. The Wesselman Tennis Center offers both indoor and outdoor courts along with comfortable amenities like locker rooms, wifi, and spectator areas for those who prefer watching to playing.

Rounding out the athletic options are basketball courts, baseball fields, and volleyball courts - providing plenty of choices for sports enthusiasts.

Nature and Connectivity

Step through Wesselman Park and you'll find yourself at the entrance to Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve, a remarkable 240-acre old-growth hardwood forest complete with hiking trails and a nature center. It offers a natural forest experience within the city limits.

The park doesn't exist in isolation - it connects to biking and walking trails that link to other green spaces throughout Evansville, creating a network of accessible outdoor areas. Mature trees provide generous shade within the grounds, making even midday walks comfortable when temperatures climb.

Amenities

Scattered across the park, you'll find several picnic areas well-suited for everything from impromptu lunches to planned family gatherings. Restrooms are typically available from March through October, so plan accordingly during the off-season.

Dog owners will be happy to know that Wesselman Park is dog-friendly, with pleasant walking paths for you and your four-legged friend - just remember to keep pets outside the playground areas. Water fountains are conveniently placed within the park for when you need to rehydrate.

With its blend of recreational facilities, natural spaces, and community areas, Wesselman Park offers something for visitors of all ages - from toddlers to seniors.