We at WCJC are looking forward to longer days and more sunshine!
It has been a long winter for most of us, made longer by social distancing. As spring arrives we look forward to getting outdoors and getting some much-needed vitamin D, fresh air, and exercise. Below is an article from our newest team member, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Trish Arnold, on her favorite spring activities in Kansas City. We hope you all can get outside soon, and don’t forget your sunscreen!
Trish’s Top KC Hikes:
I grew up going on weekend walks in the woods with my family. It’s no surprise to me that I still enjoy this tradition. Breathing clean air and stopping to pay attention to nature reminds me to return to calm and trust. This year, the pandemic makes heading outdoors even more inviting. Now that spring is emerging, it’s the perfect time to lace up some shoes and hit the trails.
One of my favorite trails in the last year has been the 2.9 mile East Loop of the South Shore Trails at Shawnee Mission Park. Half of the trail is directly along the shores of Shawnee Mission Lake, while the other half winds through leafy ridges and grouped evergreens. Along the shore, I enjoy watching paddlers on the water or families and friends gathering for picnics, while my labrador pup enjoys sniffing every leaf and twig possible.
Another new favorite is the Platte Falls Conservation Area. Slightly north of the airport on I-29, the conservation area is a 2,400-acre nearly-untouched expanse. Trails wind between fields preserved for wildlife, grassland, and forested areas. While the drive may be more of a trip for some, its close proximity to Weston makes the conservation area a great option for a combination day trip adventure.
I hope you have a chance to enjoy a trail or two this spring. I would love to hear your recommendations to add to my bucket list of local trails.
Links:
Shawnee Mission Park Trails: https://www.jcprd.com/DocumentCenter/View/5532/Shawnee-Mission-Park-South-Shore-Trail-Map?bidId=
Platte Falls Conservation Area: https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/platte-falls-conservation-area
Trish is accepting new patients. To Schedule an appointment with Trish, please call us at:
913-491-4020