How families, nature-lovers + enthusiasts can get out and stay active now

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We’re all looking to pack in our activities while the weather is still welcoming, so we’ve gathered a bunch of action-packed to-dos for every type of adventurer on your list.

Turns out, they’re all within a short drive of downtown—in Hoover, which is home to dozens of parks, preserves and recreational opportunities.

Here’s how you can bike, hike, explore and splash your way throughout the state’s sixth-largest city.

1. Families: Accessible playgrounds for all children

The accessible EXPLORE playground in Hoover (Bham Now)

I was invited to Hoover’s recent Parks & Rec Professionals Day to learn about the places and people that help keep the city on the move. It took place at the EXPLORE Splash Pad and Playground (1060 RV Trace, Hoover) near the Hoover Met, and it was full of all types of families and groups enjoying their summer.

“We talked to families of kids facing challenges, and there weren’t opportunities for them to go and play due to the terrain or equipment limitations. What we found is, that not only did that affect kids, but the parents who couldn’t go with them.

But this facility is designed so that parents, grandparents and siblings can play right alongside these kids.

We’re proud of it, and it was due to the cooperation of many local businesses, state legislators and the city. I wish we had one in every corner of Hoover.”

_{Frank Brocato, Mayor, City of Hoover}

2. Nature lovers: Moss Rock Preserve + Aldridge Gardens

Moss Rock Preserve (617 Preserve Way, Hoover) is a 349-acre playground of a different type. Here, you can climb and scramble over boulders, hike among six rare species of plants and even take photography classes to capture your appreciation for the great outdoors.

“Outdoor recreation spaces provide an opportunity for residents to connect and create shared experiences that promote physical health and mental well-being, as well as their sense of belonging to a community, which is crucial.“

_{Ryan Cavender, Recreation Manager, City of Hoover} 

If flowers are more your speed, Aldridge Gardens is a must-visit. You’ll find gorgeous hydrangeas when in-season—and spectacular color come fall—but year-around opportunities to celebrate the outdoors with art classes, kids’ classes and camps and more.

Or, if a less-active enjoyment of Mother Nature is the vibe, Star Lake is a long-time favorite. Read a book or finish your knitting among the ducks by the lakeside, and you’ll feel like you’re straight out of a Jane Austen novel.

3. Fitness enthusiasts: Pickleball, mountain bikes + more

_{You can mountain bike along trails at Black Creek (Lance Shores/City of Hoover) or hit the courts for dinks at Veterans Park (Taylor Houston/City of Hoover)}

When it’s time to get your heart rate a little higher, you’ve got options like mountain biking at Black Creek with five miles of trails to explore.

Pickleball enthusiasts should have plenty of courts to choose from, like:

• 8 outdoor courts at Veteran’s Park (4800 Valleydale Rd)
• 6 outdoor courts at Simmons Tennis Court Facility (1593 Patton Chapel Rd)
• 3 indoor courts at the Hoover Rec Center for members (600 Municipal Dr)

More ways to enjoy an active lifestyle in Hoover

If we missed your favorite activity, don’t worry: Hoover (probably) has it! Here are a few more favorite ways to have fun there:

• Play frisbee golf: Inverness Nature Park & Trails
• Go canoe: Launch at Flemming Park 
• Let Fido fetch: Loch Haven Dog Park 
• Grab your golden sneakers: Senior Center (Hoover residents only)
• Keep your cool: The Finley Center‘s indoor walking track

You can experience a virtual tour of Hoover parks via this site + learn how to get involved with the Hoover Parks & Recreation Foundation here.

What’s your favorite park in Hoover? Let us know @bhamnow.

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