Looking for a park in the Creative District bursting with fall colors? Then, make your next park visit to Edna Metz Wells Park, where urban and nature intersect. This is a small park on the edge of Cameron Village that you’ve probably passed by a dozen times on the way to Glenwood South and never paid much attention. It’s located at the intersection of Smallwood Drive, W Johnson Street, and Peace Street at the southern edge of Cameron Village. W Johnson Street is one-way, so go around the block and park either on Park Drive or W Johnson Street. In late 2010, a $340,000 stream enhancement project was completed at the park as part of an improvement plan for Pigeon House Branch, a watershed that drains much of the downtown area.
Edna Metz Wells Park has several walking trails that meander through the mature trees and over the stream. Several small bridges cross the water and large boulders on the southern part of the stream aid in preventing further erosion. The dense forest is full of pines, oaks, magnolias, and ferns, to name a few! The leafy tree colors are magnificent right now, great for photo ops and picnic spots.
There are also a few open areas in the park, still mostly shaded with nearby benches. This is a great park for taking in some nature in an urban setting. The sounds from the stream provide a nice backdrop to the busy nearby streets. The USGS stream gauging station at the park helps monitor water levels and flow rates for flood forecasting and other projects.
So, grab a lunch or dinner nearby at Noodles & Co or Piccola Italia and head to Edna Metz Wells Park for a nice stroll and picnic.
Thumbs up: photo ops, shady, walking trails, nature spot, beautiful neighborhood park
Thumbs down: lack of information on-site about park