A. C. Steere Park

A Playground Where Everyone Belongs

Tucked away on Youree Drive, A. C. Steere Park is home to Louisiana's first boundless playground, Leaps and Bounds. This isn't just any play area - it's a thoughtfully designed space where kids of all abilities can laugh, climb, and explore together, including those with physical or mental challenges. The soft ground materials aren't just comfortable; they're there to catch tumbles and make parents breathe a little easier. We appreciate the separate zones for different ages, including a cozy corner for toddlers still finding their balance.

The park's walking trails work well for both casual strolls and more purposeful exercise. The 0.4-mile loop is particularly nice for keeping track of your distance without needing to check your fitness app constantly. The concrete track wrapping around the park isn't just for adults, however - it's become quite the racetrack for kids zooming around on their battery-powered cars and trucks.

Get Your Game On

If you're feeling a bit more energetic, the lighted tennis courts are waiting for your best serve, while the ball field offers plenty of space for America's favorite pastime. When Louisiana's famous heat kicks in, the colorful splash pad becomes the park's most popular spot, especially on scorching summer days.

Need to refuel? Grab a spot in one of the shaded picnic areas or fire up one of the barbecue pits for an impromptu cookout. The open green spaces are great for tossing a football, kicking a soccer ball around, or simply letting the kids burn off some energy while you enjoy a moment of peace on a bench nearby.

Playground Paradise

The playground here has earned its reputation as a local favorite. Multiple swing sets cater to both big kids and toddlers, while the various slides offer thrills for different courage levels. The climbing structures provide just the right amount of challenge to feel accomplished without parents having heart attacks.

What really makes this playground special is the outdoor musical area where kids can bang on drums and play xylophones without anyone telling them to keep it down. The whole playground sports a distinctive purple theme - so much so that locals often just call it the "purple park" when making weekend plans.

Comfort in the Details

Spread across 13.4 acres, there's a peaceful quality to this park that makes you want to linger. The mature trees create pockets of shade throughout, with plenty of seating areas where you can catch your breath while keeping an eye on the kids. Concrete picnic tables are strategically placed near the playground - excellent for that snack break without losing sight of your little adventurers.

You can find spacious restrooms in the concrete building near the playground - though it's worth tossing some hand sanitizer in your bag just in case supplies are running low that day.

The rock climbing wall offers a different kind of challenge for more adventurous kids, while the musical chime section adds another sensory dimension to the park experience. Whether you're a Broadmoor neighbor or coming from across town, A. C. Steere Park manages to be both exciting for the kids and relaxing for the grown-ups - a combination that's harder to find than you might think.