Kesling Park
Kesling Park began as a modest 2-acre gift in the 1970s and has since grown through additional donations by the Kesling family to become a ~90-acre hub of recreation.
Nestled on the southern edge of La Porte, it features walking trails, sports fields, picnic shelters, courts, and the community-built “Fort La Play Porte” playground.
Its mix of ball diamonds, tennis/pickleball courts, disc golf, and open green space makes it one of the city’s most active parks for families and sport lovers alike..
Kesling Park is open daily from sunrise until 10 p.m.
Admission is free
Multiple parking lots around the park, located near courts, fields, and shelter areas.
Dogs are welcome on-leash; visitors must clean up after pets.
Services and Amenities
Facilities
Restrooms are located near major activity zones like courts and shelters.
Sports Facilities
Kesling Park is home to multiple ball diamonds as well as tennis and pickleball courts and a 9-hole disc golf course
Picnic Areas
The park includes several picnic shelters, grills and open lawn areas.
Playground
“Fort La Play Porte,” a large neighborhood playground built by the community, is a central attraction.
Accessibility
Trails wind throughout the park; many of the paths are fairly level and accessible for strollers and mobility devices.
* If you’d like to reserve a shelter in advance, the La Porte Parks & Recreation Office handles all rentals (call 219-326-9600) and posts rates and availability on their Facility Rentals page. Reservations are recommended to ensure the shelter is available during peak times.
Fort La Play Porte
This massive, community-built playground is one of the park’s biggest draws for families. With towers, slides, and climbing areas, it’s a definite kid-favorite.
Its castle-like design and variety of play structures make it a spot kids want to visit again and again.
Kesling Park Disc Golf Course
Kesling Park hosts a 9-hole disc golf course (public, mixed use) that is active in the spring through fall.
Note: baskets are removed in winter to free the hills for sledding and usually put back up in March.
Kesling Park features a 1 mile loop trail that circles through open fields and shaded tree lines.
It’s an easy walk for all ages and a relaxing way to take in the park’s natural scenery.
Sports Facilities
Kesling Park has tennis courts, pickleball courts, and several ball diamonds.
They’re well used by local leagues, but also open for casual play when not scheduled.