Live and Learn
Feb. 6, 2006
A beautiful day at the park
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(I've still got week 16 & 17 to write
about but I couldn't help but post about an exciting trip to the park.
You'll see summaries for those weeks added in after this entry in the
coming days.) I've been waiting since late last summer for a county park not far from our house to open. This particular park sits 54+ acres on the river and has several walking trails, a playground and a picnic area. Knowing the general location, I knew the scenery would be beautiful and that it would be a wonderful place to go on nature walks and birdwatching. So we've been driving by, checking for updates in the community newspaper and calling the county for any information as to the projected opening. Dh found out a week or so ago that the park, although still under construction, was slated to open soon. Sure enough, Sunday afternoon, we drove by to find the sign up and the gates open. Dh took dc down there for a quick visit Sunday afternoon and everyone came back with glowing reports. I planned to go some time this week but after struggling through a typical Monday morning and seeing the beautiful weather outside, decided to pack dc up and head to the park. I am so glad we did! My expectations were pretty high and the park, even partially complete, exceeded all those expectations. The whole place is absolutely beautiful and so well planned. I love that the planning not only includes preserving and showcasing the natural beauty of the area but also the history of this particular place in the county. The kids wanted to play on the playground a bit before walking and I was so pleased to see that even the playground, although housing your typical activities (slides, ladders, swings etc.), was themed to the park. The largest piece is fashioned after an orange processing plant - with "crates" or oranges as steps and a conveyor belt as a slide. Another play area for smaller children is a tractor with the park's name on it. There's also a tire swing and a see saw - and everything is under a canopy of trees. Here's dc on the orange "crates  and on the tractor  Dd looks like she's in jail but this was on the "musical pipe" section on the other side of the tractor.  After playing a while, we took the path out to the river. It starts out on a wooden boardwalk bridge then moves onto a paved path through the woods. Along the way there are benches to rest on and take in the surroundings. You are surrounded by large trees, ferns and some type of bright red berry bushes. There were a few upturned trees and dc were amazed at the huge exposed root systems. Here's a pic of the berries  The property has three historic structures which date back to the 1900's - a farmhouse, shed/garage (with machinery for processing fruit from the grove) and another 2 story structure. The county plans to renovate these structures and open at least one of them as a cultural museum. The structures are located at the end of the walking path, near the river, where coming out of the woods, the land opens up to an open area full of gigantic oaks and magnolias and beautiful river views. The feel of the history of the land was palpable and all our thoughts went to what life was like 100 years ago here and who had walked, worked and played where we were walking. Here's a few pics of the trees   Dc at the base of one of the trees  And here's a view from the bluff out to the river  I was struck by the shape and remnants of a stained glass window on the side of the two-story structure.  I cannot tell you how excited I am to have such a wonderful place so close to home. It's my new favorite place! I'm thinking of packing a picnic lunch and going back tomorrow! :) |
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Feb. 7, 2006 - oh my goodness!
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Posted by Tia