Built on the blue-collar backs of coal miners and railroad workers, the Village of Glen Carbon, Illinois has appropriately dubbed its main recreational park “Miner Park.” A stretch of land measuring only a few acres that once was a site for coal mining now greets patrons and hosts events, concerts, local functions, and everything in between.
Located in “Old Town,” you can find the entrance between the Glen Carbon Continental Library and the American Legion Post at the end of Collinsville St, where you’ll find ample parking marked by historical signs. The first thing you’ll notice is the number of activities that can be engaged in.
No matter your age there are adventures to be discovered at Miner Park! Lighted baseball diamonds, tennis and basketball courts, kids play area that is monolithic in stature, a smaller play area for the tots, sandboxes, tetherball court, and a real train caboose for the kids to enjoy! That’s only the playground and sports equipment!
Other attractions to the park include grilling stations by the sheltered pavilions, a bandstand for concerts and events, concession that is only open during baseball games, and comfort or passive areas for viewing wildlife and relaxing.
Many come to the park simply for its direct access to the Nickel Plate Bike Trail. A trail that follows what was once the Chicago & North Western and Norfolk Southern railways for 15 miles. The CNW & NS Railroads served Glen Carbon up until March 2000.
For reassurance, the Miner Park grounds have been systematically checked for weak areas, and all possible entrances to the old mines have been sealed or hidden by municipal buildings for possible future access. The water throughout the area remains uncontaminated by possible sulfur leaks and remains to be monitored daily.
Visit the “Central Park” of Glen Carbon IL; Ray M. Schon Park! Take a stroll through the park or enjoy a bike ride.
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