Kansas City is known to be the "city within a forest" for its marvelous cityscape sitting hilltop, surrounded by beautiful urban landscaping. That is not all when it comes to our cities miraculous beauty, with "12,000 acres of parkland including 220 parks, 29 lakes, 100+ miles of trails and bikeways, hundreds of athletic fields and tennis courts, 61 picnic shelters, five golf courses and four museums. Scenic boulevards and parkways crisscross the city, where fountains and ornamental structures surprise and delight" as stated by the Kansas City Missouri Parks and Recreation Department.
The best thing about all of our parks and trails is that they are all connected! You can start at the Missouri river and bike or walk all the way to Cartwright Tree Care's Grandview Missouri office, or all over the city for 100 miles! Here is a map of our biking trails and all of the connections provided by Kansas City Missouri Public Works Department!
Our parks are on a level of their own, filled with vibrant trees, glistening fountains and rich history. One of our favorite parks and this was hard to choose is Loose Park. It is one of the oldest, significantly historical parks in our city. The park is about 75-acres and is a landmark for the "Battle at Westport"
where Confederate forces were routed by Union forces in the area in which the park is now located as stated by the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department.
Another favorite is Berkley Riverfront Park which is best known for hosting some of Kansas City's big events! You guessed it! It's right on the river so
you can bike or walk the trail systems mentioned above. The best part is when there are no big events going on head down to the River Market and enjoy tons of food, actives, and you have to check out Steam Boat Arabia while you are there! Win Win!
Visiting local parks and spending time with nature has many health benefits. Take the Japanese culture for example; for decades they have practiced the art of "forest bathing" - time spent amongst the trees and nature to recharge their bodies and still their minds. This isn't like hiking or working out this is more like silencing your thoughts and just taking a walk through the woods marveling the masterpiece we call nature!
Forest bathing has many benefits and most people use the practice like meditation or to relive stress and worries. Use it however you like but get out there and get some crisp fresh air!