Curious about Brookwood Park, tucked quietly away in Landrum, SC? Kidding Around’s Sarah Burnett paid it a visit with her 3 kids and shares everything you need to know about what this little neighborhood park has to offer.

Finding the Park

Depending on which mapping app you use, this address could take you right to Brookwood Park’s car lot, or it could land you across the street at the Land Mart Corner Store wondering where you are. Guess which one happened to me? But don’t worry! One phone call to the City of Landrum’s front desk gave me the guidance I needed: “Look behind you.” And with embarrassed laughter and a sigh of relief, I saw the sign!

To be fair, Brookwood Park is a little hidden from view. The road sits high compared to the park down below, so if you happen to miss the sign (like I did) then it’s easy to overlook the park itself. But once you catch it, oh boy! Down a steep hill and across a stretch of greenspace, your eyes take in the climbing wall, multiple swing sets, and playground with playthings to spare!

If you are a hiker, it is also worth noting that Brookwood Park is along two major hiking routes which pass through the City of Landrum. The park makes a convenient rest stop about 4 miles into the Blue Wall Passage of the Palmetto Trail, coming down from the Foothills Equestrian Nature Center (FENCE). It is also located less than 1/10^th of a mile from the conclusion of the 14-mile Peach Country Passage of the Palmetto Trail coming from Inman, SC.

Around the Playground

Brookwood Park features an older playground, with its main playset appealing mostly to preschoolers through early elementary ages. The main draws for littles will almost certainly be the stationary red car with double-steering wheels or one of the rocking toys with a spring base. With mulch all around, excellent visibility, and a small set of bleachers for seating, this play area right next to the parking lot is ideal for parents juggling multiples.

Farther into the park, though, older kids will also love the open greenspace, additional swing sets, and of course, the climbing wall! My oldest delighted in running around “hunting” squirrels in the grass, and I delighted in seeing the squirrels escape into the scattered oak trees. He quickly conquered the climbing wall and then turned to jumping out at me from either end of the tunnel underneath it.

Peek at the picnic shelter right by the playgrounds, too, and you’ll find the Carolina Lily! This is the 6^th pattern of the Foothills Quilt Trail scattered throughout Landrum, SC— Finding them all could make for a great family scavenger hunt, if you feel like exploring the city!

More to Explore

On the other side of the parking lot is another, smaller greenspace. A picket fence wraps around the far side of the space, creating a barrier between your kids and the woods beyond. 

Here, you’ll also find a small brick pavilion with stone tables inside and two military memorial stones flanking the entrance. We happened to be at the park when the maintenance team came through to replace one of the American flags there, and we were thankful to see the memorial being stewarded with such respect and care.

This is also where you can find the entrance to the Brookwood Park Walking Trail. It’s a roughly half-mile loop, which is mostly level and heavily shaded by trees all around. Most of the loop is paved with some boardwalks in the mix. Strollers and dogs are welcome on the trail, but bicycles, skateboards, and the like are strictly prohibited. 

We visited in winter, but I have seen photos of this trail in autumn and definitely want to visit again when we can catch the changing foliage! There is a little stream that runs alongside much of the trail, and I saw several spots that would be great for family pictures once the leaves have come out.

Tips for Your Visit

• While this park is located on a residential street, the view from the main road is limited and the wooded trail, in particular, has several points of isolation. Safety precautions to consider could include planning your visit with multiple families and always walking with a buddy when on the trail.
  
• The steep hills around the park create a natural barrier between the play area and the roads, but there are no fences around the main part of this park. If you have little ones or kids who like to explore, you may want to set clear boundaries upon arrival and be sure your kids stay closer to you than to the road.
  
• There is a picnic shelter with restrooms available, but the responsibility for maintaining these facilities is primarily up to the groups who reserve it. As a result, you might find it in varying condition, depending on the people who used it last.
  

Brookwood Park is maintained by the City of Landrum. If you notice a maintenance issue or other concern on your visit, be sure to let them know so they can address it!

Find lots more fun in Landrum, SC!