Article by Joe Sioufi - Whether you are a light jogger or very serious athlete, training for a marathon or just enjoy a casual stroll, Memorial Park's scenic three mile loop is a trail that will have you instantly forgetting that you're in Houston and few minutes away from downtown, big huge highways and stressing traffic. My friend Tony drive all the way from Hobby airport area for his jogging at Memorial park to be in shape and feel good. Go early or after sun goes down to beat the summer heat and enjoy walking or running through one of America's largest urban park expanses. Memorial Park also features tennis courts, playing fields, a fitness center, swimming pool and six miles of mountain and recreational bike trails along the bayous.

One lap jogging or walking around Memorial Park is 2.88 miles, and there are distance markers located every 1/4 mile, in both directions.The 600-acre Memorial Park Golf Course is rated among the top municipal golf courses in the nation. The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, 4501 Woodway Drive, also calls Memorial Park home. The Memorial Park Conservation Master Plan was approved by City Council's Quality of Life Committee on August 10, 2004. (Credit: http://www.houstontx.gov)

Memorial park is the place to meet people as well, in a very chill sporty way. It is the place to get fit and may be get a boyfriend or girlfriend. For Houston it is a major Cultural event kinda thing, a get together with nature and people that care about their body and soul.

Memorial Park is on my number one Top list. The winner.

Location: 6501 Memorial Drive. West of Downtown, bounded. By I-10, West Loop 610, Crestwood, and Buffalo Bayou.

Joe Sioufi
www.JoeSioufi.com