Litz Park becoming a wildflower oasis

Almost any development of a walking or biking trail these days results in speedy use by a health-conscious public looking for ways to exercise in pleasant surroundings. Now those walkers, joggers and cyclists have a new trail at Litz Park off Shawnee Boulevard in Jackson.

The 35-acre park already has picnic facilities, a young stand of trees planted two years ago and tennis and basketball courts.

There are plans to add a wildflower garden, shrubbery and tree-identification markers.

The improvements are receiving financial support from the Missouri Department of Conservation. Eventually, the new quarter-mile trail will be lengthened to a mile.

Litz Park is another example of what cooperative efforts between the city and state can achieve. The winners? Jackson residents and visitors to any of its fine parks.