Dusty road construction at almost every intersection.
A line of orange cones so long, you can’t see the end.
Everywhere, there’s snarled-up traffic, horns blowing, and bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Enough.
Finding serenity is difficult under these circumstances, but don’t give up. There are places to get away from the endless noise.
Two state parks are within an hours’ drive – Brazos Bend and Stephen F. Austin, some of the best in the park system.
Calm Seabourne Creek Park in Rosenberg is a nice step away from civilization. Neighborhood parks are good choices, but often they’re filled to the brim with families.
Here in Fort Bend County, there’s quite a few spots of calm, peace and quiet. Best of all, the ones mentioned here are free to the public.
The Memorial Prayer Garden behind the First Baptist Church in Richmond is a small but powerful place to rejuvenate.
The Zen-style Garden not only offers a shaded sanctuary with a giant oak tree in the center, but The Labrinth allows you to focus on your thoughts as you walk the small maze.
The garden is next to a private school, and the sounds of children laughing and playing will put a smile on your face. Add the gentle sounds of wind chimes, and you’ll be as relaxed as the butterflies that visit.
Richmond’s history dates to before the mid-1800s and much has changed. Despite all the construction, there are sites that allow visitors to take a step away from the hustle of city living.
Check out Wessendorff Park in Richmond. Located next to the historic Richmond Police building, the park invites visitors to sit for a spell next to a bubbly fountain and enjoy the blooming flowers.
A small bridge guides you to the historic Morton Cemetery where shade and pathways allow you to relax your mind.
You might be inclined to roll up your sleeves at the community vegetable garden where volunteers grow food to add to the pantry at Helping Hands. The garden is located next to the police station.
Over in Rosenberg, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church has a stunning patio area. A beautifully designed stone fountain honors Our Lady of Guadalupe and welcomes the weary to the elegant church.
Flowers not only add fragrance and beauty, but they also attract butterflies. Time will cease to exist when you visit and watch the clouds roll past.
The Stations of the Cross garden at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Rosenberg is open to people of all denominations. Even if the “Way of the Cross” isn’t in your faith’s doctrine, you can still walk the quiet pathways and marvel at the beautiful stonework.
There are benches for visitors to sit and relax, and the garden has no walls or fences. In the middle of this growing city there’s a place to step away from the chaos.
Instead of looking for a fast-food lunch or coffee from a franchise, all these parks are located near home-town businesses.
Visit the small stores in downtown Richmond and Rosenberg, sit a spell on the benches that dot these areas and meet the friendly business owners.
You might find reconnecting with people and supporting local businesses is the final step you need to truly rejuvenate.
Finding peace and quiet in a growing, busy county might seem impossible, but these refreshing oases are within minutes of your front door.
All that’s asked is respect when you visit, both for the surroundings and others who are looking for the same thing you are – tranquility.
This column was originally published in The Fort Bend Herald.