My first impression of the park was Fantastic! Beautiful stone structures like the pavilion and bell arch are interspersed with colorful playground pieces (some really unique) and flower gardens. There is also a railroad car, swimming pool, volleyball, baseball, picnic tables, a concert stage, and a petting zoo!
The playground was extensive and had so many pieces that kids could play all day! There are animals/dinosaurs to climb on, swings, slides, spinning pieces and things to climb through. One contraption was unlike any other piece I've seen in my extensive park visitations: it looks like a rail that kids hang onto a device that slides down hill with a few bumps and humps along the way. (Probably on older kids could do this one.)
Upon closer review, I might take a half point off because the zoo is in need of attention. It is getting some; the aviary is being upgraded while the birds are housed off limits in a barn. At some other petting zoos, there is staff available to watch over visitors and there is much more open access to the animals. Here, a high chain link fence separates the animals from the kids and a separate structure within the fenced area that contains lemurs and peafowl makes any contact impossible (probably a good thing, but it makes viewing the animals difficult too.) They do have an eclectic mix of animals including various chickens, geese, deer, alpacas, mini mules, Vietnamese pigs (I'm guessing), as well as the numerous birds in the aviary. If you like looking, it is fine...just not a "petting" zoo.
I thought I saw a food dispenser on the other end of the fencing. When I approached, several animals came up to me like they thought I might feed them.
Another thing: The swimming pool is large and has a water park. Very cool! But the large slide was going to be off limits all summer. I assume it is going to have some maintenance too.
So, I am assuming that the park is going to continue upgrading the facilities and will round up to a 5 star rating. It truly is a beautiful park...just needs a light touch up.
Review #1062 read more