Welcome!
As promised, I’m finally back with a new edition of Outings! Sorry for the break, but between some stressful weeks and shit weather, we just haven’t made it outdoors in while. Which, honestly, made today’s walk all the more delightful.
Battle Creek Park
Not gonna lie, “Park” is a bit of a misnomer. Is it, technically, a park? Yes. But it’s also, actually, a decommissioned golf course. And while that might sounds janky, it’s actually one of my favorite things about this space.
A quick google this morning told me that Battle Creek Park, formerly a golf course, is now an undeveloped park used primarily for walking. Dig a little deeper, and you’ll learn that the park is slated for development to help restore wetland habitat and thus improve flood plain mitigation. I don’t know why, but that is just super cool to me.
Probably because I think golf courses are eyesores.
That said, while a large space with a good trail loop, there is literally nothing else going on here. No benches, no paved walks, nothing. There isn’t even a sign to announce you have, in fact, entered a park. The only evidence to suggest you aren’t about to trespass on private property is the wooden post with a “DOGS MUST BE ON LEASH” sign and a doggie-bag dispenser attached.
Lucky for me, this kind of park is my jam.
Stats & Specs
This is the part where I break down the park by the numbers!
Park Specs:
- Distance: .93 miles
- Elevation Gain: None.
- Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
- Environment: It’s a big field with a pond and a confluence of creeks. On a side road, surrounded by apartments, it was very quiet on a moody, gray Sunday morning. The trails were a little muddy and the pond is high and stagnant with rain water, but the ducks were swimming and birds singing as spring inches closer. It was lovely.
- Condition: Rough. It’s an undeveloped, decayed golf course. Be prepared to feel like Elizabeth Bennet traipsing through a field. Because you will be.
- Popularity: We saw three other people, two with dogs, but because the park is so big it was easy to maneuver around them. So, popular, to folks who want to feel like Elizabeth Bennet walking through a field.
- Uses: Walking. Bird watching maybe?
My Stats:
- Duration: 27 minutes
- Pace: 29’40”
- Average Heart Rate: 110 BPM
- Max Heart Rate: 129 BPM
- Active Zone Minutes: 4 Zone Minutes
- Steps: 2,076
- Calories Burned: 184
My Gear:
- Mystery Columbia Pullover with Throat Zipper in Black Heather
- Adidas GalaxyTrail Trail Runners
- Fleece-lined leggings, black
- Chandler-Gilbert Community College beanie, black
Trevor’s Gear:
- Green Columbia zip up hoodie
- Jeans
- Boots, unknown make and model, brown
Simon’s Gear:
- RuffWear Front Range Dog Harness, in Aurora Teal
- RuffWear Knot-a-Leash Rope dog leash, in Aurora Teal
The Verdict
Look. Anytime I pretend I’m Elizabeth Bennet, I’m in my happy place.
Despite all the dog poop left behind (oddly in bags?) this place is cool! I can’t wait to see what changes the city makes in the coming years.
This is it. This is the one! Long walks, birds, squirrels, and even a rabbit to chase! Cool holes to sniff and almost fall into and so. many. bushes to smell. I loved it!
The whole family liked this one, for varying reasons. It’s that breadth of enjoyment that means we’ll definitely be back.
That's All, Folks!
I’ll tell you what, it feels good to get outside and have fodder for another Outings! post. It feels like a return to form. A return to something like normal, even as so much in my home life is on the cusp of considerable change.
Thanks for making it this far, and coming on back for the journey. It is much appreciated.
Until next time, Bloggos!
BZ
