Nothing To Do?

Topeka is by far the most boring, corrupt city in the world and as soon as I can find another job I’m getting my family out of here, I don’t care if I have to shovel cow manure. I’ve had it. I’ve had it with City Hall. I’ve it with the pot holes. I’ve had it with the helicopter, the Police Dept., Fire Dept., and the Gang of Five. I’ve had it with the terrible schools too. Besides there’s nothing to do here anyway. Yeah, this town sucks and I mean big-time.
At least that’s how a few people around here feel about this place we all call home. I could be wrong, but I’d bet most of these same people would be mad about the same kind of issues no matter where lived. I guess some people are just like that. To those of you who complain that there’s nothing to do in Topeka. You’re kidding, right? Unless you want to go surfing or climb a mountain, I’m pretty sure anyone can find something to do if they’d just try.
If you’re bored here you ought to see some of the places I’ve been to in the last three months. Places like Texhoma Texas. Guymon, Tyrone, and Turpin Oklahoma. Liberal and Garden City. I was in Pratt for a week. From there I headed south to Medicine Lodge, Coldwater and then up through Greensburg and Haviland. I’ve spent a lot of time in Hutchinson and from there I’d travel to such places as Newton, Walton, Hilsboro, Marion, Florence, and Peabody. Two days a week I’d go to Yoder. It’s a really cool little town, but I promise you, if you’re bored here you’d really hate it there. Talk about nothing to do. Some of you’d probably have a nervous breakdown living in any of the little towns I’ve mentioned.
What is it you think we don’t have here? What do you like to do? Have you ever taken your family to the Kansas Museum of History. Try it sometime. I promise you won’t be disappointed, it’s as good a museum as you’re going to find anywhere. Maybe you’d like to take your friends and significant other out to dinner and a movie. I’d like to think you’d be able to find at least one restaurant to suit your needs out of the hundreds to choose from. Maybe bowling is you thing. I’m pretty sure that’s doable. Dancing and drinking? Again, no problem. How about Lake Shawnee? Do you ever take your kids out there? If not you’re missing out. It’s a wonderful place to take your family. Are you a golfer? I’ve never heard of a shortage of golf courses. Have you ever been to Heartland Park? Maybe you like the oval track Thunder Hill has to offer.
How about the Great Overland Station, have you ever seen it? If you have any interest in the history of the railroad, this is the place for you. If you’re a military history buff, you need to check out the Combat Air Museum. You’d love the place. When was the last time you took the kids to the Zoo? Maybe you’re more the dinner and theater type. The Topeka Performing Arts Center is where you need to be.
Have you ever taken River Road from the Oakland area to Lecompton? Have you ever taken the time to learn any of the history of Lecompton? Check it out, very cool stuff. Maybe you’re a gambler, there’s probably 6 or 7 casinos within an hours drive. Are you a jogger or do you ride a bike? Have you ever tried out the Shunga trail? Perhaps it’s softball you desire. If you can’t find a place to play, you not looking very hard. Shopping? How many more choices could you possibly need?
Traveling so much gets to be a drag but I really enjoy being able to visit other places and meet new people. But there’s nothing better than getting home and I’m proud to call Topeka my home. Hey, it’s supposed to be nice this weekend. How about we stop being bored long enough to take our family out to see some of the wonderful things Topeka has to offer. What could it hurt? You can be bored again on Monday if you want. If you do get this weekend and happen to visit the Great Overland Station you might as well top off your trip with lunch at one of my favorite places to eat, “The Pad Restaurant ” in North Topeka. If you do, say hi to Troy for me.
Kevin McGinty can be reached at: kevinmcginty@sbcglobal.net