The Village of Somerset Department of Public Works maintains eight developed parks and numerous areas of green space totaling approximately one hundred acres. Among the parks are: Larry Forrest Memorial Park, it contains playground equipment, three basketball courts, three ball fields, a walking trail, picnic shelter, and restrooms. Village Park is located along the Apple River and has two ball fields, a large picnic area along the river and a walking trail with a footbridge that crosses the river. Veteran's Memorial Park is located on the corner of Hud St. and Parnell St. it consists of two picnic shelters, a playground for 2-5 year old's, and one for 5-12 year old's, restrooms, basketball court and two tennis / pickle ball courts. The newest additions to the Parks system are La Grandeur Natural Area, and Parnell Prairie Preserve, La Grandeur Natural Area has an 18 hole disc golf course and Parnell Prairie Preserve is a joint project with Somerset Township offering walking trails through a restored prairie. Throughout the rest of the parks system there are a total of eight playgrounds with three of them being "Tot Lots" playgrounds dedicated for users between the ages of 2-5, and the other five are for ages 5-12.
Complete Parks List
Veterans Memorial Park is located on the corner of Hud St. and Parnell St. It consists of two picnic shelters, a playground for 2-5 year old's, one for 5-12 year old's, restrooms, basketball court, 2 tennis / pickle ball courts.
Larry Forrest Memorial Park is Located on Forrest Drive, just off of Sunrise Drive. It consists of a picnic shelter, playground for 5-12 year old's, three ball fields, three basketball courts, restrooms, concession stand and a walking trail.
Village Park is located on River St, with access from both Main St. and Spring St. It has two ball fields, a concession stand, a large picnic area along the Apple River, pedestrian bridge and walking path that cross the river. Village Park is the location for Somerset's annual celebration Pea Soup Days.
Montag-Calleja Park is located in the Acorn Acres development at the end of Willow St. and Acorn St. with a walking path access from Main St. The park has a playground for ages 5-12, benches and a picnic table.
Whispering Pines North Park is located on Marlon’s court just off of Harriman Drive in the Whispering Pines North Development, it consists of a playground for 5-12 year old's, a basketball court and benches.
Meadows Park is located off of Somerset Lane, in the Somerset Meadows Development, it has a playground for 2-5 year old's, and one for 5-12 year old's… with more amenities to come in the future.
Joe Casey Park is located in the River Hills Development on Aspen St. It contains a playground for 2-5 year old's, and a walking trail from Aspen St. to Rivard St... with more amenities to come in the future.
La Grandeur Natural Area is twenty six acres of village owned land in the Industrial Park surrounding the new water tower. The land is heavily wooded with a pond and extensive wildlife, it is also home to Somerset's 18 disc golf course. Future plans for this area include walking trails that will link this area with the River Hills trails.
Parnell Prairie Preserve was opened in 2010 as a cooperative park with the Village and Township of Somerset. The preserve is located at 1823 45th St. in Somerset Township, the sites amenities include a gravel parking lot and mowed hiking paths (foot travel only). The preserves hours are 5am to 10pm and all DNR rules apply. An excerpt from "Somerset Dump and Parnell Prairie Preserve History" by Paul Boerger. "The prairie will provide a vista of color and texture to viewers as well as much needed wildlife habitat. A rustic trail system will allow hiking and ecological education. There may be a picnic table or two, and some benches at strategic points to sit and enjoy the view. There will be ample opportunity for school and community groups, prairie enthusiasts, and individual volunteers to participate in and / or help with trail building, signage, tours, seed collection, bird counts, etc."
