Small JoCo park packs a big punch
Antioch Park, Overland Park, Kan.
Antioch Park, at only 44 acres, is home to boardwalks, trails, two fishing lakes and play areas for kids.
Trail Antioch Park
Overview
Opened in 1958 when Merriam was on the bleeding edge of suburbia, Antioch Park is more relevant – and scenic – than ever. With its fountains, looping trails and boardwalks, it’s one of Johnson County’s most visited parks, drawing an estimated 700,000 guests a year. But don’t let those numbers scare you off. You’ll see people, but it’s not crowded. There’s plenty of suburban space for everyone to peacefully co-exist. Antioch Park can best be described as walking through a suburban garden. Shade trees, picnic areas, lakes and bridges create their own brand of Zen. The trail is a paved, 1.2-mile loop that weaves in and out of all these amenities.Bonus features
Dodge Town includes a schoolhouse, bank, pony express, city hall, general store, train station and more. Next to it are two adjoining playgrounds.
Basketball, bocce ball and tennis courts
Vietnam Memorial honoring Johnson Countians who died in the war or are MIA
Length The paved trail is a 1.2-mile look with multiple access points. If you want more mileage, circle the park a few times.
Address and location Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch Road, Merriam, Kan., 66202
Conditions The paved trail and boardwalks are well maintained and easy to navigate. Elevation changes are minor.
Kid friendly? The paved trail is easy for children to walk, bike or ride in a stroller and there are numerous amenities for kids. A minor thing to watch: Although the lakes are small, it would be easy for a child to fall off a stepping stone into the shallow water. That would be mostly messy and not life threatening.
How busy? This trail is highly trafficked.
Pets Yes, on a leash.
Bikes Yes.
