Richmond’s recreational opportunities wow visitors all year long

All visitors are not only welcome, they’re encouraged to go outside and explore Richmond’s recreational opportunities all year long. And many agree there’s certainly no better time to play outdoors than in the summer.

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Glen Miller Park is the city’s crown jewel of green spaces, clocking in at 194 acres of natural beauty anchored by a spring-fed duck pond. You’ll often see locals filling up bottles and jugs with fresh iron-rich water at several spigots stationed around the grounds. The park itself took shape in 1885 and today includes a vibrant rose garden, a bandshell, a skatepark, walking trails, music garden, picnic shelters and many other amenities. Come August, you’ll find movies being played every Saturday night on Roosevelt Hill. Look for the Madonna of the Trail monument marking the entrance at U.S. 40/Old National Road and 22nd Street.

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Meanwhile, intrepid duffers can tee up on three public golf courses in Wayne County — Highland Lake in Richmond, Winding Branch in Cambridge City, and Hartley Hills in Hagerstown. If disc golf is more your jam, you can find courses to use at Glen Miller and Clear Creek Park, where a brand-new pickleball court was also recently installed and the state-of-the-art Dream Court accommodates basketballers of all ages and skill levels.

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The longest recreational trail system in Indiana, the Cardinal Greenway path spans 62 miles all told from Richmond through Muncie and on up to Marion. The local stretch passes through the wooded Whitewater Gorge and alongside Thistlethwaite Falls for leisurely strolls and scenic bike rides; and Cycling and Fitness Warehouse even offers free bicycle rentals. Another new bike path delivers dedicated lanes to navigate easily through the downtown region, and mountain biking trails await adventurous discovery at Hayes Arboretum.

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On the north side of town, Middlefork Reservoir accounts for more than 400 acres of land and water, making it one of the most popular destinations in the region for fishing and boating (no wake). Picnic areas, concessions, a new playground, wildlife viewing opportunities including Bald Eagles, and hiking trails round out the facility.

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In the heart of downtown Richmond, families with kids gravitate to the Jack Elstro Play in the Plaza area to enjoy permanent concrete game fixtures including ping pong, foosball, chess and checkers, along with a cooling summer splash pad, corn hole, yard Yahtzee and giant Jenga. Borrow game pieces at Morrisson-Reeves Library just across the street. Relax in a lawn chair or on a blanket as you enjoy live music, a beer & wine garden, and Farmers Market every Tuesday evening during Twilight Tuesdays. 
What are you waiting for? Lace up your athletic shoes, slather on some sunscreen, get out there and have some fun in Richmond!