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From parks to the athletic community, life in Texas is meaningful

Summer is here and Bell County is ready with an outdoor paradise that caters to athletes and nature lovers alike with a range of activities. Nestled in the heart of Central Texas, Temple boasts natural wonders and recreational opportunities as part of the vibrant and growing city.  

From the tranquil shores of Belton Lake to expansive sports complexes, Temple has it all – whether you’re the overzealous athletic type or just want to find peace and balance. Read on to learn how the city’s nearly 45 parks, adult and youth sports leagues, serene nature preserves, hiking trails and campsites contribute to a healthy and happy community.  

A Sports Lover’s Haven  

Want to join an active and competitive sports league? Maybe kick up the turf at a professional-grade sporting complex with four baseball fields, seven soccer fields, six tennis courts and more? It’s all possible at Crossroads Park — a 260-acre recreational complex conveniently located in West Temple. 

The City of Temple’s Parks and Recreation Department consist of more than 60 indoor and outdoor sports facilities that provide plenty of activities for children and adults — from Fun Runs to group fitness classes to athletic leagues: 

Parks & Nature 

Hike, bike, paddleboard and explore your way through Central Texas’ diverse landscape. Access Belton Lake via eight family-friendly parks, many of which include picnic shelters, lake access for swimming and boating, beaches and camping sites. Or if land adventures are more of your speed, 45 parks stretch throughout Central Texas, offering over 25 miles of trails and recreation loved by locals from skaters to canines. 

The City of Temple also partners with the City of Belton in preserving and maintaining Miller Springs Nature Center – 260-acres of undeveloped natural area located between the Leon River and 110-foot-high bluffs. 

If you’re a golfer, the award-winning Sammons Golf Course is open to the public year-round and offers 18 holes of pure fairway and putting green bliss. The course was ranked as one of the Top 25 Most Improved courses in 2020 by Golfers’ Choice.   

Family Friendly Splash Pads and Pools 

Almost ten water parks, pools and splash pads in Temple give parents plenty of ways to make a splash with their children. Kids – and those at heart – and enjoy three-story water slides and an aquatic climbing wall at Lions Junction Water Park or dash through the colorful spraying animals at West Temple Park Splash Pad. Here’s where to cool off in Temple: 

  • Clark Pool 
  • Ferguson Park Splash Pad 
  • Jaycee Park Splash Pad 
  • Lions Junction Water Park 
  • Miller Park Splash Pad 
  • Sammons Indoor Pool 
  • Summit Recreation Center 
  • Walker Pool 
  • West Temple Park Splash Pad 

Surrounding Adventures 

A little over an hour’s drive southwest of Temple, residents can reach Texas Hill Country – a scenic countryside landscape filled with adventures and activities. Glide above the treetops and Lake Travis on Texas’ longest zipline or enjoy breathtaking views of flora and fauna while hiking the area. You might even come across a waterfall or find the perfect place to cast off on a tranquil kayaking experience. 

Mother Neff State Park is also less than a half-hour drive north of Temple and is Texas’ first state park, located along a stretch of the Leon River. The park offers a woodlands trail, a limestone river basin and prairie and campsites.  

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just a casual observer, you’ll fall in love with Temple, TX’s abundant parks, trails and athletic community. Explore more about the Central Texas lifestyle and get ready for unforgettable adventures when you move to the city.