Spending time outside boosts creativity, improves self-esteem, and reduces anxiety. All these reasons and more are why our real estate agents love to visit these scenic parks and outdoor spaces around Belleville.

• Bicentennial Park - 4811 Belleville Crossing, Belleville, IL 62220
  Belleville's most recent park addition bears a name that identifies the purpose of its creation. Bicentennial Park opened in 2014 as part of the celebration for the city's 200th anniversary. The park's spacious 43 acres allow room for a number of popular amenities, including fishing ponds, walking and nature trails, a splash pad, and a disc golf course. A gazebo, fountains, and sculptures combine with the wooded grounds to create an atmosphere of serenity. Bicentennial Park is open seven days a week from dawn until dusk.
  
  
• Loop Creek Park - 411 Todd Lane, Belleville, IL 62221
  Be sure to take Fido along when you visit pet-friendly Loop Creek Park. Coming in at five acres, the pocket-sized park provides a convenient spot for spur-of-the-moment breaks from everyday responsibilities. Walking trails wind through lush greenery and alongside the namesake creek. A year ago, four pickleball courts were added to go along with the playground and upgraded basketball court. Hours are 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily.
  
  
• Bellevue Park - 401 Bellevue Park Dr., Belleville, IL 62226
  Located on 27 acres surrounding a three-acre fishing lake, Bellevue Park holds the distinction of being the first park in Belleville. The beautiful scenery makes the park a favorite spot for small outdoor weddings. If you have more active pursuits in mind, Bellevue Park has a natural playground, pickleball courts, and a fitness trail. Historic Stone Lodge hosts private and corporate events, while visitors are inspired by the Angel of Hope Memorial Statue and Garden. Hours are dawn until dusk daily.
  
  
• Dog Park at Rotary Park - 110 N. 6th St., Belleville, IL 62220
  Make your precious pooch's dreams come true with a visit to the Dog Park at Rotary Park. This three-acre facility, the first of its kind in Belleville, allows your pet to romp leash-free and socialize with other dogs. In addition to separate areas for large and small dogs, the park features drinking water, waste bags and trash cans, agility equipment, and benches in shaded areas. Access is by membership only, with annual fees for one dog of $30 for residents and $54 for non-residents. Hours are dawn until dusk Monday through Sunday.
  
  
• MetroBikeLink System
  Whether you travel via two feet or two wheels, follow the trails of St. Clair County's MetroBikeLink System to explore more than 39 miles of southwestern Illinois. The MetroBikeLink, which forms the backbone of the system, traces the MetroLink alignment along six Transit Centers. Allowing for supplemental use of the transit system in your travels. Notable trails include Orchard Loop, which passes over four miles of gently rolling hills that include Eckert's Family Farm, and Tecklenburg, a 1.1-mile path that runs through Tecklenburg Forest Preserve. Plans are underway to add an extension of the MetroBikeLink as well as four new trails.
  
  
• Julius J. Knobeloch Woods Nature Preserve - 3018 Rentchler Rd., Belleville, IL 62221
  Think of Julius J. Knobeloch Woods Nature Preserve as an outdoor classroom. The 35-acre site has a short, kid-friendly trail marked with placards that offer helpful information about various features of the preserve. Leashed dogs are welcome. Hours are sunrise to sunset daily.

Belleville is a nice blend of urban amenities and green spaces. Contact us at Strano & Associates for a stress-free purchase or sale of a home.