Meckauer Park

Meckauer Park is a staple of Bethel Connecticut. It is located at 16 Shelter Rock Road, and surrounded by a populated area. Every time I have ever gone to that park, there have been lots of families and pets, meaning the park is popular and well liked by kids of all ages, and parents. Its location also provides access to Bennett Park, which is another beautiful green. Meckauer has so many amazing aspects to it, and so many more than I can name! However, I listed as many as possible below, and a brief history!

History of Meckauer:

Meckauer was founded in 1960 on land Henry Meckauer donated, and they named it after him! This 39 acre park has been under continuous renovations since opening then, adding more to this already amazing park. It is Bethel's largest park. Meckauer always has been and will always be one of the biggest staples of Bethel.

Big Park

The big park is the larger playground of the two, and is considered more for older kids. It consists of a playground with 4 slides, different types of equipment (tunnel, monkey bars, rock wall, stairs, etc), swings (regular swings, baby swings, tire swings, and also a swing for people who can't swing themselves!) and much more! This park has picnic benches in close proximity for parents to watch their kids! This playground has many advantages and is very convenient for kids and parents!

Little Park

The smaller playground is meant for smaller kids; toddlers and kids ages 3-5. The kids have many options there; monkey bars, slides, baby swings, and also toys they can rock on! In addition to all of the amazing things they can do, all of the equipment is lower so parents can reach up and help their child have fun! Parents can also relax on the benches located inside the fully fenced in park! This playground, while small, has many amazing qualities to make all kids and parents park experience amazing!

The walking trail is a beautiful trail that wraps around the whole park. Following the pond, its total length is 0.5 miles long, and has shaded and sunny spots. While it is not maintained in the winter, in the summer, it looks gorgeous!

Throughout the walking trail, there are 5 different fitness stations. Each station includes its number in the order, as well as its name and how to perform the exercise. Above is just one example, but they are great ways to build fitness endurance.

Birds are all around us. Especially at a park and in nature! Meckauer park has bluebird houses stationed all around the walking trail on top of signs. Birds are very important to our world, and we're glad to have those houses.

There are many games for kids to play on playgrounds, but not many on walks. The trail offers different games painted out in chalk, with signs to tell how to play the game, and how parents can make it an educational experience.

Pavillion

In addition to all the wonderful playground equipment at Meckauer, this park also has a pavilion. The pavilion is located to the left of the park, and is in a more private, nature-filled area. It comes with multiple picnic benches, and is rentable. It also comes with a grill to make park parties enjoyable for adults, and to make delicious food for kids. It's an area for protection if it rains at the park, too!

Trail to Bennett

Next to the pavilion is a trail that leads down to Bennett Park. Bennett Park is a beautiful green park, with a pond and waterfall you can walk over on a bridge. Bennett has restrooms, as well as a large pavilion and kitchen, which is often used for outdoor events. Bennett is a great things to have connected to an already great park.

Benches

Parks are a wonderful place for kids to get all of their energy out! Sometimes, though, kids get tired, and need a space to rest to get their energy back up so they can go play again. Meckauer has several regular benches throughout the trail, in the dog park, and by the pond. It also has picnic tables by the playground and under the pavilion. Its a gorgeous place to eat lunch, but some people might not want to eat lunch at a table; maybe they brought a picnic blanket. There are plenty of sunny and shaded spots for picnic tables, as well as a designated picnic area overlooking the pond! If you ask me, Meckauer Park is the best place to have a picnic!

Sports Equipment

Parks and nature in general are a great way for people to exercise. In addition to Meckauer's wonderful fitness stations and walking trail, it also offers more ways to be active. Meckauer has lots of sports equipment. There's a volleyball net, basketball court, field that can be used for soccer, football, kickball, baseball, softball, and more, and also a fun basketball game which kids of all ages can enjoy!

Big Dog Park

Meckauer has 2 dog parks; one for big dogs, one for small. The one for big dogs is fenced in, separate from the rest of the park. It has pet waste stations located inside of it, and benches for the dog's owners to rest while their dog enjoys the park!

Small Dog Park

Meckauer's small dog park is like its name; small. It is much smaller than the big dog park, since tiny dogs take up less space. However, there is still plenty of room for all of the tiny dogs to run around freely, and appreciate this glorious park as well!

Pet Waste Station

Meckauer is a very pet friendly park. It has several pet waste stations in each dog park, throughout the park and trail. A pet waste station is a container of doggy bags, with a trash can right next to them, so you can clean up after your puppy!

Accessible Swing

Meckauer park is an inclusive park for everybody. That includes people who might need some help on the playground! Luckily, Meckauer, just like many other parks in Bethel, has an accessible swing for people who can't swing by themselves! It is a safe, comfortable, and fun alternative to regular swinging!

Parking

Meckauer has tons of parking spots. The parking goes in a loop by the entrance, and offers parking in the middle of the loop. It doesn't just park cars, though. There are also bike racks for people who live nearby and can bike to Meckauer, or for people who want to bike ride on the trail there, and park their bike while they play!

Nature Aspect

Some people who go to parks go so their kids can play. Some go to exercise. And some go to enjoy nature. Nature is such a beautiful thing, and its beauty is highlighted at Meckauer. This park has gorgeous wildlife, and an elegant pond. Meckauer has plenty of space for kids, exercisers, and nature enjoyers. Nature is very important for growing kids. Learn more here. With a designated picnic spot, lots of sun and shade all with spectacular views, and a green field, Meckauer is the spot to be.


Other fun facts about Meckauer:

  • Meckauer has multi-stalled bathrooms accessible and close to the playground

  • There is a mini library stand donated by another troop

  • There is a sandbox donated by another troop

  • There are benches throughout the park donated by other troops

  • There are many signs around the park informing you of insects

  • The park is maintained 3/4 seasons a year

  • There are poles to prevent cars from driving in to the grass

  • The whole park is either fenced off or blocked by trees from the main road

Fun games to play at Meckauer:

On the playground:

  • Tag

  • Freeze Tag

  • Hide and Seek

  • Hide and Seek Tag

  • Races

  • Red light, Green light

  • Read more here!

Games to play on the grass:

  • Baseball

  • Softball

  • Soccer

  • Football

  • Capture the flag

  • Kickball

  • Catch

Games to bring for the lawn:

  • Giant Connect Four

  • Corn Hole

  • Ring Toss

  • Spike Ball

  • Bocce Ball

  • Read more at this website which shows prices for these games and more on Amazon!

Games to play on the basketball court besides basketball:

  • Horse

  • Knockout

  • 1 vs. 1

  • Around the world

  • Read more here!

On the volleyball court besides volleyball:

  • Badminton

  • King/Queen of the court

  • Dead Fish

  • Read how to play these games and more here!

Maps

To the left is an overview of the outline of Meckauer Park. Below is a more detailed map photo.