Highland Road Community Park

Park Overview

Highland Road Community Park sprawls across 144.4 acres in Baton Rouge, Louisiana - a green oasis in the urban landscape. Managed by BREC (the Recreation and Park Commission for East Baton Rouge Parish), this year-round park sits in the southeastern part of the parish, welcoming both quick visitors and those looking to spend the day exploring.

What makes this place special? Think beautiful rolling hills and wide open grassy spaces that practically beg you to throw down a blanket and stay awhile. It's a peaceful place where you can take a break from the busy city.

Natural Features

The landscape here is surprisingly varied for an urban park - with hills that roll across the property, open fields excellent for flying kites, and peaceful forested areas that provide welcome shade on hot Louisiana days. If you're looking to disconnect from city life for a bit, the walking paths and primitive nature trails offer an ideal escape.

Water enthusiasts will appreciate the boat launch that opens up access to Bayou Fountain and Bayou Manchac - grab your kayak or canoe and see Baton Rouge from a different perspective.

Bird nerds (we say that with love!), you'll want to bring your binoculars - the park hosts over 150 recorded bird species. And for those with four-legged family members, the extensive walking trails make this a paradise for pups who need their daily exercise.

Highland Road Park Observatory

A notable feature of the park is the Highland Road Park Observatory - a cool collaboration between BREC, Louisiana State University, and the Baton Rouge Astronomical Society. With its impressive 20-inch reflecting telescope, it's a place where you can literally reach for the stars. They regularly host astronomy programs that make science accessible and exciting for visitors of all ages.

Sports and Recreation

Active types will find plenty to love here. The tennis center features 17 hard courts and six pickleball courts - with a particularly enthusiastic pickleball community that gathers Saturday mornings from 8AM to 12PM if you're looking to join in.

The disc golf course weaves through scenic hills and majestic oak trees, offering enough challenges to keep experienced players engaged while still being approachable for beginners. For those looking to maintain their fitness routine outdoors, there's exercise equipment scattered throughout, including pull-up bars.

Baseball and tee-ball fields round out the traditional sports offerings. The park has also made a name for itself in the running community - it is the home course for LSU Tigers and Lady Tigers cross-country teams and hosts several high school cross-country events year-round.

Family Amenities

Kids have plenty of options to burn off energy here. There's a large playground with rubber mulch ground covering (a relief for parents worried about skinned knees) and thoughtfully included shaded areas to help everyone stay cool in the Louisiana heat. The splash pad is a particular hit during summer months.

The indoor recreation center houses a gymnasium for those days when the weather isn't cooperating. Scattered within the grounds are numerous picnic pavilions and tables - excellent for anything from a simple family lunch to a full-blown reunion. And yes, there are clean, well-maintained restrooms available - sometimes it's the simple things that make all the difference.

Walking and Hiking

If you just need to clear your head and move your body, the concrete walking track loops through various sections of the park. It's well-maintained and smooth enough for everyone from serious joggers to parents with strollers.

For those seeking a more natural experience, dirt trails wind through the wooded areas, offering a quieter, more contemplative option away from the more active sections of the park.

If you're looking to break a sweat, learn something new, or just find a peaceful spot under a tree with a good book, Highland Road Community Park manages to be many things to many people without feeling overwhelming or disjointed. It's a versatile space that offers something for nearly everyone in the community.