If asked to choose one city park in Lawrence I'd most want to spend time at, it'd be Bircham Park. Located on the banks of the Kansas River maybe 400 yards upstream from the Bowersock Dam and the Kansas River bridge, it consists of several acres of native buffalo grass that hooks up the a paved trail into downtown--quite a lovely stroll any time of day, and houses the University of Kansas Boathouse, home of the men's and women's crew club.
The park has a number of native limestone sculptures, ample parking, and typically a portable toilet, ie., "Johnny on the Spot," or whatever you wish to call them. You know, those places you only go if you *really* need to. Otherwise, yea.
Plenty of riverside swings, picnic tables and typically a shelter (currently under reconstruction on my most recent visit) and a newly created overlook near the river that extends into the water a few feet.
Enter the park by car at 2nd and Indiana Streets, a lovely drive past some amazing, early historic homes of the 1800s, or park near 6th and Tennessee street and walk the 600+ yards to the park along the paved trail, famed for being underwater when it floods. So much for planning, eh?
Great picnic area, great place to get away from the rest of the town and not everyone comes here which is part of the appeal. The views upstream to the I-70 bridge, the levee across the river and views of downtown not be missed. read more