Mary Jo Peckham Park — Attraction in Katy

This review is having explored only half of the amenities here, just the main pond, walking trails, playgrounds and the putt putt. I've been here several times, and the main reason I come back is for the excessive shade (this is a rarity in parks in H- town unless you're in the museum district) and for the many activities options at one location. Plus it's free, who can say no to that!? (well we're paying for it technically but wow I wish other communities could make this much out of our tax money!) This is a relatively large grounds to do things too. You can start out walking around the pond, which believe me can be an adventure, especially with kids. There is a huge vulture (turkey vulture ie buzzard) colony that lives here and they are always entertaining albeit creepy, and they tend to hold their ground too just fyi. Lots of ducks from typical pond ugly ducks to real wild game waterfowl like mallards. Plenty of fish, as you can tell from the reviews and pictures, from game fish to a coy pond over by the putt putt course. So avid fishermen (restocked pond often) down to kids can enjoy. It's a great short walk with an quality trail and shade occasionally is a benefit in the typical h-town (katy, to be exact) perpetual summer. I'm a huge fan of the playgrounds. There are multiple areas, including a very short in height playground that's covered for the little ones. Then there are the big slides/monkey bars/ bridges. Plenty of swings for big and little kids. Rubber/foam padded throughout. The big kids playground is partially shaded but it's the most shaded playground I know of around here. It's so spread out that even when it's busy my one year old can still do anything he wants. On the way to the putt putt there's a really big gazebo with picnic tables and plenty of seating.I love how welcoming and comforting it is, and it even has lights on the ceiling for when it's getting dark of course. And at the putt putt, it's free so don't complain, but it's quite a fun course. Very basic, but 18 holes, with humps, bumps and turns, even a windmill facade to hit through. Sure there are quite a few leaves and objects, but it's fall now. They've been renovating/ improving it, as you can tell because there is recent fresh asphalt around the holes. The green mats are in better shape than I'd expect for free. Plus you can get a free putter/balls from in the main building with a driver's license, or bring your own like we do. Right next to the putt putt is a dog park which is usually very busy, and was great for distracting and entertaining the kids. I know they have free swim lessons here if you call to book them in advance, plus free gyms/bathrooms if you register (as a harris county resident i believe). Will be doing this soon I'm sure, but for now the trifecta of outdoor activities has us satisfied and coming back. Plus a short walk down the street (west) is the 'train station' playground, or whatever it's called. It's huge too, though my boy is usually tired enough from...

We absolutely love Mary Jo Peckham Park. It's one of my favorite parks in the whole Houston area! I'm hesitant to even review it because it's such a hidden gem in Katy proper. It's a Harris County park we've been enjoying for many years. Some of the park's wonderful highlights are a very large, catch and release lake with a fishing pier, a koi fish pond, a walking trail, wonderful children's play area, a magnificent, large, covered, picnic area, tables and grills throughout, and one of our favorites- two miniature golf courses. Putters and balls can be checked out from the rec center when it's open, but eventually we decided to buy our own so we can enjoy a little putt-putt golf whenever we would like, not just when the center is open. In addition, the center does have a pool and workout room, plus different classes for the community, but this may be reserved for Harris County residents. We have hosted and attended picnic events large and small for family and friend events, but we enjoy going just ourselves, too. There are LOTS of ducks there, and seasonally it is common to see broods of ducklings, too, if you like that kind of thing. I love it! We and many others used to feed the ducks, but I think the park discourages that now. Still, some people do, and the ducks do not shy away from free handouts. They may bombard you if they think free food is involved so beware! This park is a definite go-to if you are ever in the Katy area and want to enjoy the outdoors. It's surrounded by several other smaller parks, but don't let that fool you. Keep going down the drive past the gates to get to this hidden treasure! Don't worry. My pictures hardly...

Mary Jo Peckham Park in Katy, Texas is a fantastic park with something for everyone. It's a great place to spend an afternoon with family and friends. Here's a quick rundown of the park's amenities:

Playground: The park has a large playground with a variety of equipment for children of all ages.

Walking trails: There's a lighted walking trail that's perfect for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. The trail is paved and is about 1.75 miles long.

Fishing lake: The lake is stocked with fish, and no fishing license is required. This is a great spot for a relaxing day of fishing.

Picnic areas: There are picnic tables with grills scattered throughout the park, making it a perfect spot for a picnic lunch or dinner.

Other amenities: The park also has a miniature golf course, a community center with an indoor pool and fitness area, and a gazebo.

Overall, Mary Jo Peckham Park is a great park that offers a variety of activities for people...