Celebrate Parks and Recreation Month

July is Parks and Recreation Month!

Parks and Recreation is an integral part of the City of Lawrence and benefits the community in many ways. Parks and Recreation programs help to build a healthy, active community, and provide opportunities for citizens to expand their horizons by trying something new. In addition, parks and natural recreation areas ensure the ecological beauty of the community and provide a place for children and adults to connect with nature and recreate outdoors.

Join Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department in celebrating by participating in some of the following budget-friendly activities:

 

  • Send Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department your videos explaining what Parks and Recreation means to you and how it has made you stronger, more vibrant and more resilient in these trying times. Forward videos to parksrec@lawrenceks.org to be included in Park and Recreation Month promotional materials from LPRD. Tag @lprdks in your posts or videos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and use the hashtag #OurParkandRecStory to share your experiences with us.

 

  • Try out the outdoor fitness equipment located in Deerfield Park, 2901 W Princeton Blvd. Check out pictures of the equipment on our Facebook page by clicking here.

 

  • Go for a swim at the Outdoor Aquatic Center, 8th and Kentucky Sts. Daily admission is only $6 for adults and $5 for seniors and children.

 

  • Visit Prairie Park Nature Center, 2730 Harper St. The Nature Center has more than 20 birds, nine mammals, 14 snakes and a variety of other exhibits. There is no charge for admission.

 

  • Take your pet to one of two off-leash dog parks. Mutt Run is located near Clinton Lake at 1330 E. 902 Rd. Riverfront Park Dog Park is located North of the Kansas River at the intersection of North 3rd St. and U.S. Highways 24 and 40.

 

  • Attend the weekly Lawrence City Band Concert Series at 8 p.m. Wednesdays through July 14 in historic South Park, 1141 Massachusetts St., or a Brown Bag Concert at noon Thursdays through July 29 in front of the U.S. Bank building, 900 Massachusetts St.

 

  • Play a game of disc golf in Centennial Park, 600 Rockledge Rd., or Riverfront Park, N. 3rd St. and U.S. Highways 24 and 40. Print a scorecard by clicking here.

 

  • Go for a stroll around the Lawrence Rotary Arboretum, 5100 W. 27th St., if you’re looking for inspiration for landscaping your home. Plants and trees are identified with markers, and the area also includes the Waterwise Xeriscape Garden designed to conserve water and reduce maintenance.

 

  • Take the kids fishing at Mary’s Lake, 2730 Harper St. behind Prairie Park Nature Center. Fishing is also allowed at the Pat Dawson Billings Nature Area, 27th St. and Crossgate Drive and the Sandra Shaw Community Mental Health Park, 110 Maine St. For more information and fishing regulations, please contact (785) 832-3450.

 

  • Bike on the mountain bike trails located East of the N. 8th and Oak Sts. boat ramp in Riverfront Park, or go for a more leisurely ride on another of the City’s many trails. Click here to view a trail map (PDF).

 

  • Tee off at Eagle Bend Golf Course and Learning Center, 1250 E. 902 Rd., below the Clinton Lake Dam. Eagle Bend offers discounted rates in the summer. Make it a family activity – children ages 11 and under golf free with a paid adult round Monday through Friday (limit two children). Click here for prices. Call (785) 748-0600 for tee times, or book one online.