Makenzie grabbed lunch from Sweet Kayle, spread a gingham blanket on the lawn at Dunnegan Memorial Park, and ate a grilled sandwich with a green smoothie looking out at the pond. Shoes off. Socks still on. Just middle-of-the-workday vibes.
A picnic can fit into a lunch break, too. Pick up food, find a spot, and give yourself time to eat before heading back.
What Dunnegan Memorial Park Has
The trees, lawn, pond, and pavilions give you several places to spend an afternoon. You can meet friends for lunch or bring a book and find some shade.
The City of Bolivar’s park page credits T.H.B. Dunnegan’s land donation and lists the park at 601 N. Forest. It also has details on pavilion rentals if you are planning a group picnic.
If you want to see the park in a photo gallery, here is the BFF senior session at Dunnegan Park.
The Trail at Dunnegan Park
A walk before or after lunch gives you more time to look around the park. The city lists a mile-long chat trail through the trees.
Wear shoes you can walk in, and choose how much of the loop you want to do. You can also stay at the picnic spot and let the person with the book finish their chapter.
Where to Get the Food
Makenzie picked Sweet Kayle, a local Bolivar bakery, for this lunch. A grilled sandwich and green smoothie made it into the picnic, and I’d suggest trying their Reuben sometime, too.
I love supporting a business here in Bolivar. If you’re bringing a group or ordering during a work break, check ahead about the menu and pickup time.
What to Bring
A roomy blanket gives you space for both the food and the people eating it. Add plates, napkins, and utensils for whatever you packed. A small cutting board can give food a firm place to sit.
Bring water, too. A folding chair is handy if you would rather sit off the ground, especially for a longer visit.
Pack something to carry your trash home in. The bag your lunch came in might do the job.
Bringing Kids to Dunnegan Park
The playgrounds and open lawn give kids places to play. Choose a picnic spot where you can stay close and keep them in view, including near the pond.
Plan around your own crew’s meal and rest times. An extra snack, water, and a change of clothes can earn their place in the bag.
If you plan to bring a stroller, check the route when you arrive. Trail surfaces and wet weather can affect where you want to walk.
When to Go
Before sunset
An evening picnic leaves time for a walk as the day cools. Check the weather and park hours before setting out, and leave time to pack up.
Spring and fall
These seasons give you days to try a picnic between the hotter and colder months. A light layer can help when the temperature changes while you’re out.
Summer evenings
Choose a time that works with the heat, bring water, and look for shade. You can keep the visit short if a sandwich outside is all you have time for.
Light the Park
The Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce hosts Light the Park at Dunnegan during the holiday season. Check the Chamber’s page for that year’s dates and hours.
A lunch break
This was Makenzie’s plan: lunch from Sweet Kayle, a blanket, and a spot by the pond. You can sit at a table or bring a chair, too. Lunch still counts as a picnic when you have to be back at work afterward.
For anyone planning photos here as well, the studio’s senior photography information is available.
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