By Jan Landon
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Tallgrass Creek is safe and cozy during the winter, but now that spring is on its way there are plenty of reasons to get outside.

Paved trails lead walkers on a brisk or leisurely journey through the grounds of Tallgrass Creek. Just outside the Audubon Clubhouse is a courtyard with a putting green, outdoor sun deck, and plenty of room and shade for a leisurely game or picnic with friends.

Special events this spring offer yet another incentive to step out into the sunshine. Among the celebrations are dedications of the community’s dog park and resident gardens.

Rudy’s Run, the Tallgrass Creek dog park, will be dedicated from 1 to 3 p.m. on April 4 at Tallgrass Creek. The event will feature a ribbon cutting, dog agility demonstration, and pet costume  party. Donations will also be accepted for Wayside Waifs, a humane society and animal welfare organization.

“This is a great opportunity  to see our campus, network with other businesses in Overland Park, and raise money and awareness for a worthy cause,” says Mark Meisenheimer, Tallgrass Creek community relations manager.

The resident gardens will be dedicated from 1 to 2 p.m. on April 11 in recognition of Earth Day. Just to the north of the community’s main entrance, the gardens are sprinkled with benches near a shed where people can store gardening equipment. Forty-eight garden patches will be available to Tallgrass Creek residents on a first-come, first-served basis; they can also share garden spaces.

“It gives residents an opportunity to do something they did in their own home, as well as a chance to meet fellow gardeners and trade gardening tips,” says Jill Cline, community resources coordinator at Tallgrass Creek.

If there are enough gardeners who grow vegetables there may be a Tallgrass Creek farmer’s market, Cline says.