Welcome to Three Rivers County Park

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Traveling from the west, exit Interstate 80/94 at Central Avenue. Turn left (west) on Central to Colorado Street, then south to the "T" and right to the park gate.  From the east exit I-80/94 at U.S. 51 (Ripley Street) then south to Central Avenue and right (west) to Colorado Street.   Note:  There is no exit for Central Avenue off I-80/94 from the east.

Three Rivers County Park offers the following features:

1.5 mile asphalt walking trail around the lake jogging, cycling, walking fishing open play fields picnic shelter and picnic tables toilets (portable)

Click  for fishing information

ABOUT THREE RIVERS COUNTY PARK

Three Rivers County Park was the eleventh park in the Lake County Park system.  While in the planning stages for many years it has been envisioned to be the eastern recreation anchor to the Little Calumet Flood Control and Recreation Project.  Lake Etta is at the western end.

Land acquisition negotiations have been on going since the late 1980's.  In 1996 the Lake County Parks acquired approximately 45 acres (38 acre lake and land surrounding the lake).  In 1997 an additional 17 acres was acquired.

Located on the Gary/Lake Station border, it can easily be seen from the ramp off I-65 onto eastbound I-80/94).  Construction of the parking lot and paved hiking/biking trail around the 38 acre lake was completed in 1998, with a picnic shelter and gatehouse added later.

Shortly after the park was opened to the public on July 13, 1999, plans were being made for the next major improvement.  After researching the feasibility of various recreational opportunities, the park board decided a focus on early learning would fill a need that was lacking in the area.  Both recreational and educational component could be addressed with a facility that would provide for interactive play both indoors and out.  Thus began a long road toward the development of Bellaboo's Play and Discovery Center, which opened to the pubic in September 2009.

Bellaboo's Play and Discovery Center

The Center, designed by the White Hutchinson Leisure & Learning Group, is based on proven concepts of the positive relationship between play and cognitive and social development.  Activities will combine fun and entertainment with education and learning both indoors and out.

The FUN Discovery Play Center is designed for children from infancy through age eight.  The colorful and imaginative center features 23,000 square foot of hands-on activities.  Self-guided play in a child-sized supermarket, construction zone, and pizza parlor, for example, will provide areas for children not only to interact with others, but to participate in dramatic play that stimulates intellectual growth.  Additional elements include block play, do-it-yourself face painting, an art studio, dress-up, water tables, soft-contained-play equipment, a reading room, children’s do-it-yourself cooking, a performance area, and space just for infants and toddlers with developmentally-appropriate play activities.

Educators and parents have long understood the value of play as it relates to the foundations for early learning.  When children use concrete objects in dramatic ways, such as playing in a pretend grocery store or a kid’s size construction zone, they learn social skills and competency.  Written cues through signs help children get ready to read and write.  They understand that the written symbols on paper carry meaning – even if they can’t yet read.   Play apparatus will help in motor development, including gross and fine motor skills. 

Additional elements include block play, do-it-yourself face painting, an art studio, dress-up, water tables, soft-contained-play equipment, a reading room, a performance area, and space just for infants and toddlers with developmentally-appropriate play activities.   

As adults, we may think children are “just playing”, but consider how much language development is happening as children respond to each other and work out the details of play.

They’ll never know they’re learning. . .

But, we will

Other features include café seating with free Wi-Fi for more than 180 people located in the center of the building surrounded by the play areas.  Five private birthday party rooms will prove the perfect place for that special birthday boy or girl.  The Center also fits the needs of preschool and elementary grade school field trips. While the focus is on non-structured play, special activities and adult-guided programs are also scheduled. It is THE place to bring little ones for learning and LOTS of FUN.  

Bellaboo's Play and Discovery Center