kinsey park - brookfield, wi
Kinsey Park is a great example of what thrills me about local, neighborhood parks. At first glance, driving by, it looks like a pleasant, family friendly park. At 6 acres, features include a fishing pond with a small pier, a simple picnic shelter, and a children's playground. Lilac bushes line the paved path at the entrance. A perfect spot to enjoy your lunch break, read a book, take the kids to burn off some energy.
But just beyond the playground, a trail begins. Aaahh, there is the magic! For me, anyway. Step inside this simple trail and you are enveloped, especially in spring, in green beauty. Trees, grasses, and wildflowers line the walking trail, and a quietly running small stream. Birds fly through the woods, and sing from above. There was a good sized flock of Red-winged Blackbirds dominating the trees and bushes near the pond. No doubt, nests are nearby.
The trail follows along to an exit further west along Kinsey Park Drive. It was at this point I looped back to the beginning. The terrain here is interesting. My gut tells me it was a kettle, though I've nothing to confirm it. There are hills on either side of the trail and stream. A rather steep hill on the east side of the trail, actually. Once back at the main entrance, I found entry to an upper trail just a few strides from the main trail, to the right of the merry-go-round. As I walked along the path was lined with native wildflowers in season: Wild Geranium, May Apple, Jack in the Pulpit, Solomon's Seal, and Waterleaf, in addition to non-natives Lily of the Valley, and Star of Bethlehem.
All in all it wasn't a long trail. I looped back on both for a final tally of just over a mile, including the walk from the parking lot to my car. Still, if you're looking to escape to lush and lovely woodlands for a bit, I highly recommend it.
The park also connects with the Greenway Trail System. Dogs are welcome, but must be on-leash.
Location: 13250 Kinsey Park Drive, Brookfield, WI (Waukesha County)
For more information, click here and here.
But just beyond the playground, a trail begins. Aaahh, there is the magic! For me, anyway. Step inside this simple trail and you are enveloped, especially in spring, in green beauty. Trees, grasses, and wildflowers line the walking trail, and a quietly running small stream. Birds fly through the woods, and sing from above. There was a good sized flock of Red-winged Blackbirds dominating the trees and bushes near the pond. No doubt, nests are nearby.
The trail follows along to an exit further west along Kinsey Park Drive. It was at this point I looped back to the beginning. The terrain here is interesting. My gut tells me it was a kettle, though I've nothing to confirm it. There are hills on either side of the trail and stream. A rather steep hill on the east side of the trail, actually. Once back at the main entrance, I found entry to an upper trail just a few strides from the main trail, to the right of the merry-go-round. As I walked along the path was lined with native wildflowers in season: Wild Geranium, May Apple, Jack in the Pulpit, Solomon's Seal, and Waterleaf, in addition to non-natives Lily of the Valley, and Star of Bethlehem.
All in all it wasn't a long trail. I looped back on both for a final tally of just over a mile, including the walk from the parking lot to my car. Still, if you're looking to escape to lush and lovely woodlands for a bit, I highly recommend it.
The park also connects with the Greenway Trail System. Dogs are welcome, but must be on-leash.
Location: 13250 Kinsey Park Drive, Brookfield, WI (Waukesha County)
For more information, click here and here.
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