Clay Township Park

A Green Escape Just Outside South Bend

Tucked away just north of South Bend, Clay Township Park spreads across 45 acres of Indiana greenery, offering a peaceful retreat from city life. Positioned between South Bend proper and St. Patrick's County Park, this community space combines recreational facilities with natural beauty that changes with the seasons.

Open year-round, the park welcomes everyone from families with energetic kids to solo visitors seeking a moment of calm. What makes this place special? The clean grounds, tranquil atmosphere, and those expansive green spaces that seem to breathe with you as you explore.

Play Hard or Hardly Playing

If you're looking to break a sweat or just stretch your legs, Clay Township Park offers several options. The park features well-maintained soccer fields and softball diamonds for the team sports crowd. For disc golf enthusiasts, there's a 9-hole course complete with concrete tees and veteran targets - all free to play. While the course offers a good experience for beginners and seasoned players alike, the layout might leave some wanting more (but hey, free disc golf is still disc golf!).

Kids will likely head straight for the playground, which was established in 2018. The large play area has equipment for both tiny tots and bigger kids, however be aware that it's cushioned with wood chips rather than rubber surfacing. It's often the highlight for families visiting the park - you'll likely hear the happy squeals before you see it.

Trails Worth Wandering

Looking to get your steps in? The park offers both paved and unpaved trails winding through wooded areas and alongside the St. Joseph River. The dirt paths provide welcome shade during summer months, making your walk comfortable even when the sun is showing off.

Dog parents, rejoice - this is a dog-friendly spot where your four-legged friends can join your outdoor adventures. The stroller-friendly paths make it accessible for everyone. Just keep an eye out on some trails where broken glass has occasionally been spotted (nobody wants a paw emergency).

Gather & Relax

Clay Township Park has multiple picnic areas with tables and shade covers for those sunny Indiana days. Planning something bigger? Two pavilions are available for reservation - well-suited for family reunions, birthday celebrations, or any excuse to bring people together outdoors.

The park's open, flat landscape offers plenty of space to throw a frisbee, kick a ball around, or simply spread out a blanket and watch the clouds drift by.

Before You Visit

The parking situation is straightforward - look for the one-way lot near the entrance. The park uses a one-way traffic system for entering and exiting to keep things flowing smoothly.

A heads-up about facilities: you'll come across portable toilets rather than permanent restrooms, and there are no water fountains on-site. You'll want to bring your own water, especially if you're planning to make a day of it.

The park welcomes visitors from 9AM to 8PM seven days a week, although these hours might shift with the seasons. And a quirky local tip - during walnut season, you might want to watch your step (and your head) when wandering under those walnut trees!

With its blend of active recreation and peaceful natural spaces, Clay Township Park offers that perfect middle ground - not too wild, not too manicured - where you can choose your own adventure, whether that's an afternoon of sports or simply a quiet moment away from it all.