Park life If you’re looking for a hidden gem, head over to Frog Hollow Nature Trail. This threemile mountain biking and hiking trail near West Edgewood Greenway offers a varied landscape from meadow to forest to creek bed. “You notice something new every time you use the trail,” says Schroeder.
Binder Park is the largest park in Jefferson City. Binder offers a variety of different activity options, including softball or sand volleyball courts, two disc golf courses, 18 miles of mountain bike or hiking trails, two outdoor rental shelters, RV campground, an RC flying field, a festival area, fishing, and
Binder Park
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boating. When combined with Joseph C. Miller Park, the grounds cover 750 acres. “We hear from out-of-town guests that the trails at Binder are top notch,” Schroeder says. “All credit goes to Osage Regional Trail Association. This volunteer group plays an integral role in the quality of our mountain bike and hiking trails by providing resources to develop and maintain the mountain bike trail system.” Parks and Recreation also works closely with other organizations in the area, like the Missouri Department of Conservation; Parks, Recreation and Forestry was recently awarded an MDC Tree Resource Improvement and Maintenance grant to assist parks staff with tree inventory and forestry education. The department’s top priority for improvement is to complete the greenway loop from West Edgewood parking lot along Frog Hollow Creek, connecting back on West Edgewood Drive near Tree Valley Lane. Schroeder says future priorities for expansions will be outlined in the park master plan, which is currently being drafted. “I absolutely love that Jefferson City has big city conveniences while maintaining small town hospitality,” Schroeder says. “Our parks are an extension of this sentiment. An 18-hole golf course, ice arena, two swimming pools, and many special events in our facilities and parks give entertainment opportunities for all ages and abilities. Just as we enjoy providing these activities and events, we’re equally passionate about providing a simple park experience. Things like fishing with your grandpa, swinging at the playground, reading on a park bench — it’s all about making memories.”
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