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Monday, March 29, 2010

A Rant about the State of Missouri's Parks

Missouri State Parks are broke.  That is the answer I receive when I ask any question the state park system in the state.  " Why isn't there any representation here at the agriculture expo from the parks (while almost every type of state agency is represented in some form or fashion)?  The response is " they're broke!".

I visited a park on a warm day and saw many people exploring and hiking.  Where was a park ranger to explain them about the wonders of the place, or that they were standing near a state treasure that could give any other park ANYWHERE in the world a run for it's proverbial money?  Not to be found.  By the way, the restrooms were locked even though over 30 people were there at the 30 minute period that I was there.

Winter, even if we don't like to admit it, makes up a good chunk of our year.   It is disappointing to see Missouri State Parks closed during winter months while Ohio, a cold place no matter the area of the state, is open for business and eager to bring the great outdoor to its visitors.   Arkansas, a state that shares similar weather with southern Missouri, also has most of its state parks open during the colder months and guess what?  People actually visit.  They are on twitter, they are on facebook, and they are *gasp* at the state parks.

There is a reason why they are broke.  Beautiful and majestic places in this state and they are broke......there is a reason but I seriously doubt the state government, especially the governor, will ever realize.

-darrinmarcus

4 comments:

  1. I'm growing tired of them too because no one is around to help me or there when I call for information. I ask locals about places, and no one seems to know anything at all. Something needs to give!

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  2. I'm tired of these inaccurate directions. I saw the directions to a natural area and tried to find them, twice. I could not. Finally, I gave in and called the ranger district only to discover that the secretary had never even heard of the place and gave me the directions I had already followed falsely. 3194 is what the website reads, but I knew that was false because 3194 is on the opposite side of the county near Cowards Hollow. 3149 is the road, but there are two spur roads and no signs or forest road marker for 3213. Later, I followed the website directions for a nearby fen and they could not be more wrong.

    Road signs that are brown, blend in with everything and set back off the road! No signs at all! Unkept trails! No orange trail tags! Help that cannot help. Rangers that are never in their office. I'm tired of it all!

    Pull your head out of your ass Missouri!!!

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  3. I highly suggest you contact the state park office in Jefferson City with your very valid and serious concerns. State parks also has a page on Facebook to which you can post comments--I suspect comments are duly noted by the appropriate channels.

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  4. Thanks for your comments Allison. I have called the state park office in Jefferson City and I seem to get absolutely nowhere.

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