Spring arrives at Kickapoo Creek Park

 

[April 25, 2020] 

A favored local park for outdoor exercise, relaxation and nature buffs is Lincoln's Kickapoo Creek Park. The park established on land donated by Violet Scully, who was a philanthropist for the family farmland barons and passionate about community and nature, offers miles of mowed, wood chipped and paved trails for walking. Today, the privately held park and other protected lands are overseen by the Logan County Parks and Trails Foundation.

Joe Funk took over the duties of superintendent on the retirement of Don Helman a few years ago, and works hard to keep the park clean and orderly. Under Funk's supervision, the park has continued to evolve in order and functionality to those visiting.

Savannahs, controlled forest areas and large prairie grass plots entice all sorts of wildlife for observation.

Funk also stocks birdfeeders outside the bird watching shelter near the office/work shed. He keeps track of natural food offerings such as numerous fruit and nut trees that wildlife depend on for their winter survival. And he otherwise keeps track of all the wildlife about the park each day, including the human varieties.

The spring season began early this year and was just in time to offer some reprieve and distraction as the shelter at home orders were given mid-March. The park had already been filled with activity - people walking and running, walking dogs, lots of couples and young families with strollers and children, all ages passing the pointy oval ball, plastic bats hitting the tossed plastic round ball, a couple of kite lessons - you get the idea, a regular family circus with lots of happy greetings and laughter.

While coronavirus necessitates social distancing, wearing masks even outdoors if you are in proximity of others, and avoiding potentially contaminated surfaces, you can still enjoy the great outdoors and maybe wear out those little energetic urchins who cohabitate with you.

While playground equipment use is currently off limits due to Covid-19. There's nothing like a change of scenery, a breath of fresh air, and seeing the abundance of delight that can be found in nature from moss and flowers to dazzling bluebirds and an abundance of wood pecking woodpeckers.

When out and about follow the CDC guidelines:

- Keep six-foot from other people

- Avoid touching surfaces

- Wipe down surfaces with disinfectant

- If you touch any surface, use hand sanitizer until you can wash properly, then wash hands vigorously with soap and water for two rounds of Happy Birthday

- Bring your own drinking water

- Leave no trash

Get out - stay fit and healthy - act responsibly.

[LDN]