Mount Trashmore Park

Our cleverly-named Mount Trashmore Park is a former landfill that’s been transformed into a popular green space, including two man-made hills, two lakes, a massive playground and a skate park — all crossed by a series of multi-use paths. With work starting in the early 1970s, this former city eyesore, comprising nearly 650,000 tons of compacted trash, has been gradually reimagined into the 165-acre mixed-use civic asset (and popular picnic spot) it is today.

For hikers, the park has three main trails: the Perimeter Trail (1.9 miles), Lake Trail (1.5 miles) and Mountain Trail (1.3 miles), all popular and well-maintained. For fisherfolk, the park’s two lakes beckon — Lake Windsor, which is brackish and fed by Thalia Creek; and Lake Trashmore, which is freshwater and home to multiple species of fish. (Note: Fishing is permitted from land only, and requires a license; no wading or boating allowed.)

For families, there are 10 picnic shelters to accommodate groups of varying sizes, and all offer charcoal grills and shaded seating areas. Groups can engage in healthy competition with volleyball courts and horseshoe pits, while the little ones can burn off excess energy at the spacious, ADA-compliant Kids Cove Playground — offering slides, elevated walkways and swings.