Planning the Perfect Picnic at the Park

Originally a holiday to honor both Union and Confederate soldiers who'd fallen in the American Civil War, Memorial Day has since been revised to celebrate all Americans who have died in military service.

To celebrate this American tradition, many use another American tradition— BBQ!

A picnic in the park

For those looking to get out of the backyard, but still celebrate the upcoming holiday with some burgers and franks, why not have a picnic in the park?

has plenty to offer for picnickers this Memorial Day from shady trees to play structures for the kids. There are areas for horseshoe throwing and sandy volleyball courts, tennis courts and open areas for soccer, a game of catch or tossing the Frisbee around.

City Park also has picnic tables and grills built into the ground that are free to use. And if dinner is done, but you still want to keep a little bonfire going, that's fine, as long as the fire stays in the grills that can be found all over the park.

There is a large pavilion in the center of City Park that can be reserved for a day of fun, though it has already been booked for Memorial Day. If you'd like to reserve the City Park pavilion for your next event or picnic, there are applications available at .

Dogs are welcome at the park, so bring them along, but remember to keep them on leashes. There are bag dispensers located throughout the park to add some convenience when cleaning up after your pet.

The park typically closes at 8 p.m., but as the sun stays up longer in the summer the doesn't clear out the park until 10 p.m., so enjoy the twilight at your park picnic or barbecue.

Local shops offer picnic food

Obviously you can't have a picnic without supplies and some local shops can cover all of your needs.

Try for chicken wings ($1.89 and up for a pound), hot dogs (5 pounds for $4.99), hamburger ($2.69 per pound) and buns (79 cents), as well as a variety of sodas ($2.29 per 12-pack).

They also carry graham crackers ($1.19 per box), marshmallows ($1.39 per bag) and chocolate ($1.49) to make s'mores.

Don't forget plastic silverware ($2.99 per box of 96 pieces), plates (heavy-duty plastic at $1.99 per dozen), cups (two dozen for $0.99) and paper towels ($0.69 per roll) for cleanup. You can also pick up a variety of snacks and treats and pay less than you would at a typical grocer. 

Ready to grill?

can handle your grilling needs offering Kingsford charcoal (16.6 pounds for $6.99), lighter fluid ($3.99), a 3-piece BBQ tool set ($9.99) and other needed accessories like lighters, skewers and sauce brushes ($1.99 and up). They can also add some fun to your picnic with water guns ($5.99), footballs and soccer balls ($1.29 - $9.99), sand toys ($2.99 up) and even a 19-piece badminton set ($19.99).