Crites Park Shaded Trail Loop Reopens in Time for Evening Walks
Festus, MO · August 27, 2026
Joachim Creek is flowing quietly past the southern ball fields this morning. With afternoon warmth on the way, the shaded river trail offers an easy detour before sunset.
The Lead
Larry G. Crites Memorial Park is wrapping up seasonal trail resurfacing along its 1.5-mile perimeter loop this week, smoothing the crushed-limestone track just as late-summer youth leagues begin filling the athletic fields. Park maintenance crews cleared overgrown brush along the Joachim Creek bank and leveled washed-out sections near the Turtle Cove playground. The upgrades ensure smoother footing for morning joggers and families pushing strollers toward the lakefront pavilions. Parks staff also replaced wooden signposts at each quarter-mile marker and cleared runoff channels ahead of autumn rain. The full loop reopens for unrestricted foot and bicycle traffic starting at noon today, giving neighborhood walkers a direct, shaded circuit between Old State Route A and the creek.
Local Pulse
Jefferson County Mobile Dental Bus Arrives Free walk-in screenings and preventative cleanings run through three this afternoon at the Cedar Hill satellite branch.
Joachim Creek Boat Ramp Cleared for Paddlers Public works crews cleared seasonal driftwood and gravel buildup, keeping early-morning canoe launches unobstructed through the weekend.
Today's Outlook
- High 88°F · Low 67°F — Partly cloudy
- Grab water before hitting the trails as late-afternoon temperatures climb toward peak warmth.
What's On Around Town
Cedar Hill: Compass Mobile Dental Bus Jefferson County Library Cedar Hill Satellite (6780 Mall Dr), 9:00 AM–3:00 PM Free walk-in dental exams and basic care for youth.
High Ridge: Toy Time Playgroup Northwest Branch Library (5680 MO-PP), 10:30–11:30 AM Unstructured sensory play and social hour for toddlers and parents.
Thursday Sunset Walk on the Loop Larry G. Crites Memorial Park, 6:30–7:30 PM Casual evening laps along the newly smoothed crushed-gravel trail.
Spotlight & Story
- 34 East Main Street
- Built at the turn of the twentieth century as a brick-and-mortar mercantile, this storefront once supplied local glass factory families with dry goods and sewing notions. Today, the restored space houses Daily Flavors Eatery beneath its original pressed-tin ceiling.
Festus Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.
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