Owensboro is home to so many beautiful parks, we just had to write a feature on them! With more than 25 parks spread out across our city and county, there’s no end to the number of places you can spend in the great outdoors.
Today, we’re breaking down a list of parks where you can fish and find a playground! Some of these parks will be on both lists.
Fishing
You can fish on the Ohio River with a license and some pretty steep regulations.
Panther Creek Park is part of the FINS (Fishing in the Neighborhoods) program. There is a lake onsite for fishing and is regularly stocked with catfish and rainbow trout, while largemouth bass and sunfish are regularly stocked and sampled. This six-acre lake is located at 5160 Wayne Bridge Road.
Yellow Creek Park is another great site for fishing. Located at 5710 KY-144, this three-acre lake is also stocked with catfish and rainbow trout. For both lakes, there are daily catch limits in place through the FINS program. You can catch up to five rainbow trout, four catfish, one largemouth bass and 15 bluegill or sunfish per day. To keep the trout, you need a trout permit.
Diamond Lake Resort offers a Paylake to those staying there. It’s stocked regularly with a variety of fish.
Both the Yellow Creek and Panther Creek parks are open from 8 a.m.-11 p.m.
In the city, you can fish at Waymond Morris Park, located at 5200 Todd Bridge Road. You can fish at this seven-acre lake from 6 a.m.-10 p.m. and you need a license if you’re over 16 and under 65 years of age.
Part of the FINS program as well, you can fish at Yewell Heritage Park from 5 a.m.-10 p.m. This lake is stocked with fish and offers parking and access to the Adkisson Greenbelt Trail that wraps around the city. A fishing license is required for those over 16 and under 65 years of age.
Playgrounds
Smothers Park offers one of the best playgrounds in the WORLD located right on our gorgeous downtown riverfront. At Lazy Dayz Playground, there’s a water play area, concession stands, Games on the River, multiple slides, handicap-accessible equipment, and tons of climbing areas.
Legion Park is home to another great playground with swings, multiple slides, exercise equipment and outdoor basketball courts. A spray park is open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. through Labor Day.
Moreland Park is located at 1215 Hickman Avenue and is home to a playground full of slides, swings, climbing equipment, tennis courts, basketball courts, pavilions and sitting benches.
Kendall-Perkins Park is home to a playground, a swinging area, a spray park, basketball courts and picnic tables. It’s located at 1201 West Fifth Street.
Located at 616 Walnut Street, Moneta Sleet, Jr. Park is home to basketball courts, a playground area with swings and picnic tables.
A great place for those who enjoy some pickleball, York Park features a playground with slides and climbing equipment, swing sets, a basketball court and picnic tables. It’s located on York Drive.
Just a few blocks away from downtown Owensboro, Germantown Park has a wonderful playground with slides, a swing set, a walking trail, and a gazebo.
You’ll find a playground at English Park, a 13.1-acre riverfront park that also features a picnic shelter and amphitheater, a boat ramp and dock. English Park is located at 2 Woodford Avenue.
Not only does Chautauqua Park have an amazing playground, this 31-acre park also includes a popular skate park, ball fields and a seasonal public swimming pool. It’s located at 1301 Bluff Avenue.
The playground at Horse Fork Creek Park has an amazing spray and splash pad for kids, as well as a completely inclusive playground that allows for kids of all abilities to play. It’s located at 3005 Fairview Drive.
Located at 400 Booth Field Road, Ben Hawes Park has an updated playground with swings, slides and more, as well as basketball courts and picnic tables available.
Located at 5710 KY-144, Yellow Creek Park has scenic walking trails along with an amazing playground for kids. There’s also a pioneer village with log cabins you can check out!
Find a playground with it all at Panther Creek Park, located at 5160 Wayne Bridge Road. Picnic tables and a basketball court are available to use as well.