The Kimball City Park, now covering aproximately 100 acres between I-24 and the Tennessee River, is increasingly becoming a prime location for birding, photography, and other outdoor activities.
Great egrets, a type of large white heron, have recently begun showing up in the park's wetlands in significant numbers. Egrets prefer shallow water and aren't usually seen along the river like blue herons are.
Other birds likely to be seen at the park include hawks, osprey, great blue herons, green herons, Canada geese, kingfishers, killdeer, and the occasional bald eagle. In addition, a flock of domestic ducks has taken up residence there.
Besides soccer fields, the park has a short paved walking trail, a playground, a recently built concession building, and a picnic shelter.
There are several small ponds or wetland areas, which are becoming increasingly popular with various waterfowl. Also, a number of native wetland plant species, such as buttonbush, soft rush, willows, and others, are becoming established.
Quite a few trees, such as sycamore, red oak, river birch, and bald cypress, have been planted. Plans are in the works to possibly plant more native wetland species, and build an interpretive nature trail through the wetland areas to enhance the public's contact with, and enjoyment of, the natural world.
It is hoped that the park will eventually be part of a proposed Jasper to South Pittsburg greenway trail.
To reach the Kimball City Park, drive east from downtown Kimball (by the interstate) on Main Street/U.S. Hwy. 72. After passing the entrance to Lowe's, go about a block and a half and turn right on Kimball Lane. In about a quarter mile, you'll cross over I-24. The road will make a sharp left turn, but continue straight ahead past the red roofed barn into the park.
Bob Butters