One of my favorite things about the Lansing area is the number of public parks we have. Seriously, look at this map!


Courtesy of Lansing Parks and Recreation

Especially in this time of COVID-19 and social distancing, visiting local parks has really helped my mental health. Being able to spend time outside, breathe fresh air, and even visit with friends [walking six feet apart] has been a welcome addition to so many days at home.

I am always telling friends and colleagues about some of the Lansing area parks I love, so I thought I would share some of them here!

#1 Moores Park
Located along the South side of the Grand River, in the shadows of the famous Eckert Power Plant smokestacks, home to one of the only remaining Wesley Bintz pools, welcome to my neighborhood and Moores Park!

This is my favorite park in the Lansing area — and I fully acknowledge my bias as this park is located approximately 100 yards from my house. We bought our house because of Moores Park, and I know we’re not alone in that among our neighbors.

Moores Park truly has something for everyone: two separate playgrounds, basketball courts and soccer fields, a pavilion for picnics, gorgeous old trees, access to the Lansing River Trail, a canoe/kayak launch, and more!

Moores Park holds a lot of meaning for me. It was the first place I walked after my C-Section, and it’s been the site of many good and some hard conversations with my husband, friends and family members.

A few weeks ago, I was walking by the park after dinner and I met a neighbor who was digging up large stones in one corner of the park. I stopped and chatted with him, and learned that he was creating a butterfly garden. He was spending his free time — and inviting others to join him — in improving the park himself. I love that spirit of community, and the pride people (like me) take in Moores Park.

I’ll stop writing here and instead invite you to join me in the park, anytime! I can’t wait to show you around.