Mary Jo Peckham Park

Mary Jo Peckham Park (closes at dusk)is located in the City of Katy: 77493. 1 block NE of the intersection of Franz Road And Avenue D (Behind the City of Katy Police Station). Mary Jo Peckham Park is an (Approx 15 yr old) beautiful, forested approx city/county park with walking trails around a man-made lake which is stocked with fish. Children are allowed to catch and release the fish. There is a large covered group picnic ground and individual tables w/ grills near a beautiful play area under the trees which is for ALL CHILDREN (handicap accessible). Behind the picnic/play area is a miniature golf course. You can check out miniature gulf clubs, score cards and balls when the Peckham Park Pool/Weight Lifting Area/ Dancing/Recreation Building is open.(You can bring your own and use the facilities anytime the park is open.We purchased our toddler equipment used for a few dollars from Katy Christian Ministries Thrift Shop so we could visit, holidays, evenings and Sundays). City of Katy/Harris County residents can sign up for free recreational swimming classes such as: arthritis exercise and water aerobics, dance classes, etc. Swim Lesson are offered through the Red Cross for a fee. Fort Bend residents can also sign up for classes if they are not filled by Harris county residents. ASK ANY QUESTIONS and/for a monthly schedule ask at the front desk. The Park has 1 main entrance in and is protected by on duty Harris County Constables. The gates are locked at dusk. Katy Library (Branch of Harris Co Public Library System w/ Maude Marks, etc) is located on Franz road to the east of the Katy Police Station and has free events including activities, plays, authors, reading time, etc for children. OTHER FUN ACTIVITIVITIES IN KATY/HOUSTON: see the newspaper insert 101 FREE FUN THINGS TO DO IN HOUSTON/KATY: may be available from reference librarian at your local library. FYI: My 82 yr old Father thinks Peckham Park offers fitness evaluations and facilities that are better than many fitness clubs for free. He has moved to Katy to be close to the Peckham Park facilities which he uses daily. We have lived in Katy (since 1984) 1/2 mile from Peckham Park since its inception as a Steve Radick Harris County Park in conjunction w/ the CIty of Katy. My kids now teenagers have spent many hours, enjoying the FREE facilities, having and attending birthday parties there. Paddle wheel boats have been promised but are not available yet. ENJOY! Melissa W of Katy, TX has recently added a detailed Judy's Book review of Mary Jo Peckham Park so here is a link to that review also: http://www.judysbook.com/members/11300/posts/2006/6/399058 more

Mary Jo Peckham Park is a community center and more. It's not an "average" park and has a little bit of everything and it's all free, which makes it a nice place for families on a budget. It is located on 32 acres, so it is huge, and there is definitely something for everyone! It is a great place to take children. They have a wonderful children's playground that is wheelchair accessible (including one of the swingsets). They also have a FREE miniature golf course, which is also handicapped accessible. You can "borrow" loaner putters and balls. I've never actually tried the golf course because my daughter is still a bit young for that, but I love the concept and you can't beat free! They have picnic tables near the playground and also near the lake, so you can take lunch out there to enjoy (if you can handle the heat!). They also have a jogging trail that circles the lake. The park is well-laid out and the lake includes a fishing pier. I have never been fishing there, but my understanding is that the "Texas Parks & Wildlife Rules and Regulations" apply. In addition to all of these options, they also have an indoor swimming pool (which is also free) and a "free" workout room. The pool hours are Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday 8:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., and Sunday 10:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. We have a swimming pool in our subdivision, so we haven't used this one yet, but since it's indoor, it would be a good option for the fall and winter months when our pool is closed. I have heard a lot of good things about the workout facilities from other people, but I have not had a chance to try them out, either. It definitely beats paying for a gym membership, though! They also have a "lighted pavilion" that seats 120 people and which can be "rented out" if you make arrangements in advance. I have never seen anything like this anywhere else that I lived and I think that it is definitely worth visiting! You can access a map of the park and facilities via this link: http://www.pct3.hctx.net/PMary/Layout.pdf The park hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. more