A Guide to Southlake, TX Parks

Southlake’s park system is a reflection of the city’s commitment to outdoor living, family-oriented recreation, and year-round accessibility. Spread across more than a thousand acres, the parks in Southlake provide a thoughtful balance of well-kept sports fields, scenic walking trails, modern playgrounds, and peaceful picnic areas.

Whether you’re planning a weekend outing, looking for a quiet spot to walk, or seeking facilities for youth sports, Southlake’s park network delivers a well-rounded experience for residents of all ages.

Bicentennial Park stands as Southlake’s flagship recreational space and is often the first name locals mention when recommending outdoor activities. Spanning over 100 acres, this park includes something for nearly everyone. The playground—aptly named “Liberty Park”—features multiple play structures, climbing walls, shaded seating areas, and a water splash pad. Just steps away, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, and multi-use sports fields serve local leagues and casual players alike.

For those who prefer walking or jogging, the paved trails wind through open green space and tree-lined stretches, offering both scenic views and a steady workout route. The park also connects directly to The Marq Southlake, the city’s community center, which offers fitness programs, senior activities, and indoor event space.

Located on the northern edge of Southlake, Bob Jones Park covers nearly 500 acres and includes a wide range of amenities. It’s a favorite for residents who want to enjoy both structured sports and unstructured nature exploration.

The park offers well-maintained soccer and baseball fields, a fishing pond, and a dog park, making it a top destination for pet owners. The pond is stocked periodically, and catch-and-release fishing is allowed.

What sets this park apart is its connection to the Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve. From here, visitors can access the Walnut Grove Trail, a shaded natural trail that winds through forest and prairie terrain. Interpretive signs along the route offer insight into native plants and wildlife.

North Park is a purpose-built sports facility designed to support the growing needs of Southlake’s athletic community. It features several turf multi-purpose fields that are primarily used for soccer and lacrosse. Stadium lighting, spectator seating, and restroom facilities help accommodate games and tournaments throughout the year.

While this park leans more toward athletic function than casual recreation, it plays a vital role in supporting youth leagues and city-run programs. The design also ensures that practices and games continue even after rain, thanks to the advanced turf system.

Tucked into a residential section of Southlake, Royal and Annie Smith Park serves as a quieter, more reflective space. This park is known for its natural feel, with open meadows, tree coverage, and a simple loop trail that winds gently through the landscape.

Benches are positioned at intervals along the trail, encouraging visitors to slow down and enjoy the surroundings. It’s a popular place for walking, birdwatching, and photography.

Chesapeake Park offers a clean, open setting with wide grassy areas and shaded picnic tables. Located close to several residential neighborhoods, it provides convenient access to a walking path, informal play areas, and well-kept landscaping.

While smaller than other Southlake, TX, parks, Chesapeake Park is ideal for family picnics, after-dinner strolls, or a quick outing with kids. The walking trail is flat and loops comfortably around the park’s perimeter, making it suitable for strollers or low-impact exercise.

McPherson Park is another neighborhood gem tucked quietly within a developed part of Southlake. It includes walking trails, open space for lawn games or unstructured play, and carefully maintained landscaping. The paved loop trail surrounds a placid pond, which is home to fish and turtles. This park is especially popular among residents who want a calm, nearby space to relax, walk their pets, or enjoy a morning coffee in the fresh air.

Each of these parks contributes to the city’s broader goal of offering accessible, well-maintained, and thoughtfully designed public spaces. From athletic complexes to shaded trails and scenic preserves, the park system accommodates a range of interests and needs. City leaders have consistently invested in upgrades, expansions, and long-term planning to ensure Southlake, TX parks meet both present and future demands. Community input is often part of that process, helping to prioritize the kinds of features residents value most, whether that’s splash pads, fitness stations, or trail improvements.

Navigating the Southlake real estate market means understanding what makes each neighborhood, amenity, and outdoor space stand out. Local expert and broker Randy White brings that insight to the table, helping buyers and sellers move confidently within a market shaped by both growth and consistency. Whether you're drawn to homes near one of Southlake’s serene parks or exploring options across the city, Randy offers guidance built on experience, relationships, and deep local knowledge. If you’re ready to explore real estate opportunities in Southlake, connect with Randy today.

_{*Header image courtesy of Unsplash}