Today’s Parks-PIck-Me-Up features McDaniel Park, where blooming redbud trees are putting on quite a show this week at the corner of National and Sunset (2405 S. National Ave.) The 16-acre park includes a playground (currently closed to prevent Coronavirus spread), and a covered shelter. It’s also the east trailhead for the 7-mile South Creek Greenway, designated a National Recreation Trail in 2006.

Longtime Springfieldians remember when the namesake of the park, R.E. Lee McDaniel, operated McDaniel Stables on the property, offering riding lessons and horse stabling.?? It officially became a park in 1998.??

It’s a great place for a walk or a bike ride! But be smart while visiting any park or trail: stay six feet away from others, avoid gathering in groups, cover your coughs and sneezes, ?? and stay home ?? if you’re showing symptoms of illness.