Parks department highlights outdoor activities during warm spell

By Riley Funk

It may be winter, but after harsh conditions, St. Joseph is feeling a bit of a warm-up, which means it’s a good time to take advantage of the nice weather outdoors.

St. Joseph Parks, Recreation and Civic Facilities staff highlighted activities for residents to break the cabin fever from the winter cold.

Jeff Atkins, assistant parks director, said people will be using the local hike and bike trails, pickleball and horseshoe courts, golfing and other outdoor activities.

“When the sun is shinning during this time of year, 50 degrees feels pretty good,” Atkins said. “All of our outdoor activities are pretty well good to go.”

He said the only facilities that won’t be available to the public are the restrooms, which won’t open until April.

While there are a great deal of benefits to taking advantage of the warm weather, the safety aspect needs to be taken into account.

Sgt. Shane Hux of the Missouri State Highway Patrol said it won’t be uncommon to see residents out and about on sidewalks on city streets and the Belt Highway.

According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, there were 7,388 pedestrians killed in 2021 and more than 60,000 people were injured across the United States.

To counteract those stats, Hux encourages residents to wear reflective gear while out on the roads to make drivers aware.

“Visibility is key, just like ask when we’re (the highway patrol) out working in a motor vehicle crash we put on reflective vest, reflective raincoat just so we can be seen by other motorists,” Hux said. “Another thing is the headphones … keep your volume down low enough to where you can still hear what’s going on around you.”

Hux also recommends residents stick to the sidewalks when they can and run against traffic if they get off the sidewalk. Participating in outdoor activities with someone else is also a good idea in case of an emergency.

“Take your cell phone with you, have ID with you, a medical alert bracelet, any type of ID,” Hux said. “Anything that’s going to help for any unseen circumstance, worst case scenario will help law enforcement, first responders identify you and help you that much quicker.”

Atkins said for those wanting to use the local hike and bike trails, visit the department’s website to see all the different routes offered at local parks.

He said now is a great opportunity for residents to get outside without worrying about extreme heat.

“Walking in the summer is hard on people. This is just a good opportunity to get out when you’re not going to get baked by the sun,” Atkins said.