I love getting to the parks, taking in nature, and getting some much-needed exercise and stress reduction. It was tough back in the days of “the great pandemic” when some parks and trails were closed, as the science was settled that exercise wasn’t important to our health and immune system. This year has shown a very strange happening at many parks in the St. Louis area. It begs the question…is it a worker shortage or are they just letting the parks go? Either way, it is a shame.
I get to Forest Park a couple times a week and this year the grass, which is normally kept at a manageable height, is completely out of control (see pics). Maybe they are trying to give us the feel of what pioneer folks did as they made it across the country. Where it is partially cut, there are piles of grass that make it a challenge to get through. The shame with this park is there are so many attractions, such as The Muny, museums and golf courses that keeping it looking great was a priority. Now, I know it is early in the season, however when you get to parks on a regular basis and see how they are kept up, this stands out. And it isn’t just Forest Park as I have driven past a few to see the same thing. Could running a riding mower over grass be another casualty of the insane gas prices? Is manual labor below some who are out of work? The conspiracy theorist in me thinks there is more to this. And as we have learned, yesterdays conspiracies are tomorrows truths!
The one park I frequent that is kept immaculate, and for good reason, is Jefferson Barracks National Cemetary and Park. If it gets to the point where those who have served our country don’t have a beautiful place to rest, there will be trouble!!
Until next time…#eatthedamnsalad

