Grant Kanavage (above) works to perfect his skateboarding skills at the local skatepark while Keonta Davis (below) goes for an afternoon jog in Lamar Park
As the first week of summer has
nestled its blazing heat on our backs, Oxford’s recreational parks offer both a
place to stay active and a place to find shade.
Oxford’s local parks often go
unnoticed during the summertime while the majority of people look to stay
indoors or by the comfort of a swimming pool.
Lafayette County offers just that
and at no cost.
The Oxford City pool is convenient
for families who live near by because of its close location to the Oxford
Middle School.
The public pool allows families
with younger children to relax while their kids are near by.
It is located on the corner of
Washington Avenue across from the Stone Center and is open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Oxford Skate Park is also open to
the public creating an alternative recreation to those looking to skateboard or
rollerblade.
Less than a mile from the Skate
Park is Avent Park, open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
This park offers walking trails,
soccer fields and tennis courts.
The tennis courts are equipped with
lights to allow late night games.
The walking trails also offer a
shady path for afternoon strolls.
Lamar Park is another popular
public park located on Country Club Rd. off of Jackson Avenue.
There are multiple fields and paved
walking paths along with a large pond accompanied by lounging patios.
Both Avent and Lamar Park are ideal
for walking, running, fetching with your dog or even having a picnic.
Oxford also takes pride in its bike
trails around town from Molly Barr Road to Old Taylor Road.
The bike paths are designed to be
scenic, convenient and safe.
Each path has numerous outlets
around common student housing and campus.
Just outside of campus one can find
the Whirlpool Trails where cross-country runners and off road bikers can
exercise in the forest for both an exhilarating and serene workout.
The primary trail winds nearly
three and a half miles into the forest with numerous bike trails branching off
from it.
The majority of the trail is
covered by thick trees, making running in the heat much more tolerable and
enjoyable.
Former ASB President Taylor McGraw
has recently made a giant step to ensure that the public park system in Oxford
continues to grow and thrive.
McGraw recently petitioned to the
Board of Aldermen to build a new public basketball facility.
“The facilities for every other
sport and outdoor recreational activity in Oxford have expanded or improved in
the last decade,” said McGraw in his online petition. “We think it’s time to
act.”
Oxford has proved it has sufficient
funds for the court, but believes there is not enough public interest to begin
building.
The variety of convenient and
accessible venues produces an interest in exercise, especially during the
summer months.
“The fact Oxford has so many places
to either walk or run makes exercising something that I want to do, but also
something I like to do. I think switching up your daily activities is what
keeps it fun,” says student Caty Cambron who agrees that it is important for
Oxford to offer various recreations around town.
Whether it is to socialize or stay
in shape, the citizens of Oxford remain active during Mississippi’s hottest
months.
Each of these different locations
allow the community of Oxford, both residents and Ole Miss students, to join
together and beat the heat of summer, a task few communities can accomplish.
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