Lavretta Park

A new park that sits on Old Shell Road is in order today.  This park is especially important to me, as it sits between Spring Hill College and my favorite hookah bar in town, which is across from the University of South Alabama (USA).  The run from Spring Hill College to Lavretta Park is very nice, with wide open sidewalks, easy crosswalks, and some gorgeous houses to look at.  This is one of those where just getting there is a brilliant part of the journey.

Lavretta Park itself is rather small, but very well kept.  It also sits within an old neighborhood of small but really pretty houses that look like the inhabitants take really good care of.  It is apparent that this neighborhood appeals to young folks who take pride in their lives.  You can see lots of couples with very young kids playing in the park, parents running with strollers, and people out enjoying nature itself.  It reminds me of the small neighborhood that I grew up in in Central Ohio where everything you'd need is right there within a few blocks.

My wife had mentioned while we were at a different park in town that Mobile likes to spend money on its playgrounds for kids.  We don't have kids, so it's really of no immediate consequence to us, but I personally feel good living in a town that apparently feels that it's important to give kids some fun outside activity.  This one even had a water sprayer (presumably only operational in the summer) for the kids to play in, which I imagine is a huge hit when the temperatures hit the highs.

Another thing that makes this park really cool is that there is a studio for budding artists to learn their trade right in the middle of the park.  I'll have to look a little further into it, but it looks like something I'd like to see if my wife would like to take classes at as it looks like there are classes for all ages.

The loop around the park is only a half mile or so, so it is a bit of a hamster wheel if you're looking to do a lot of miles, but it's a nice run and it appears you'll never have to worry about it being packed.  At most, you may see a few youngsters playing ball on the baseball diamond and some smaller kids in the playground.

 Safety doesn't appear to be an issue and I get the feeling this is a neighborhood that takes care of each other.  I don't think I'd bat an eye at running here at night.  It appears to have lights, although I am not sure how well or often they operate.

 My run itself on this trip was not great.  Slow going between Spring Hill College and the park, then once in I ran and walked the path alternatively.  Not a great pace, but I was looking at hitting a 9 mile mark, so distance was more important than speed.  Next time I hit this park, it'll be a better trip.   Nonetheless, the experience was great and I would highly recommend the mile or so between Lavretta Park and Spring Hill College.  A beautiful and safe trip between the two,