Albert-Oakland Park

Albert-Oakland Park is a sprawling 79-acre community park located in Columbia, Missouri, next to Oakland Middle School. The park features a wide array of recreational opportunities and natural areas that make it a popular destination for visitors of all ages. Established through a combination of donations and acquisitions, the park includes the C.M. Albert Memorial Park, a southern 20-acre portion donated in 1964.

Among its highlights is the Albert-Oakland Family Aquatic Center, which includes outdoor pools and water play areas suitable for family outings. For sports enthusiasts, the park boasts numerous facilities such as lighted baseball/softball fields, a basketball court, twelve lighted pickleball courts, a lighted tennis court, sand volleyball courts, and two 18-hole disc golf courses. The disc golf courses offer a mix of open and wooded fairways for varied play experiences.

Nature lovers can explore the park's trails, including the Bear Creek Trail, which is 4.8 miles long and connects Albert-Oakland Park to the larger Columbia Cosmopolitan Recreation Area. Additionally, visitors can utilize the one-mile hard-surface multi-use fitness trail, complete with 11 exercise stations. The park's two playgrounds provide engaging spaces for children, while picnic shelters with amenities such as BBQ grills, drinking fountains, and restrooms offer places for gatherings.

Albert-Oakland Park is notable for its balance between active and passive recreation. Visitors can enjoy activities ranging from sports to quiet nature walks along its creek or through the fitness circuit. With its extensive amenities and accessibility, the park continues to be a vital community resource for relaxation, fitness, and social gatherings.