If you’ve never been to Mary Jo Pekham Park, prepare to be impressed. Mary Jo Pekham Park is a prime spot to go to if you’re looking for something to do in Katy. The public park has just the right amount of shade, perfect for a hot summer day.

Leashed dogs are allowed in the park and they even have baggies available on the trail for you. The park includes a community center, an indoor exercise area, an indoor pool, a fishing pier, a gazebo, koi pond, a miniature-golf course, and an area to disc golf. They also have a pavilion and picnic area to reserve for special events, a playground, and a lighted hiking trail.

Visit for your next family outing or even just a day for yourself to just go and relax. As a bonus, it’s free to enjoy!

Mary Jo Pekham Park
5597 Gardenia Lane
Katy, TX 77491
(281) 391-4482
www.pct3.com/parks/peckham-park

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/TheBusyBrain

Are you guilty of buying fresh produce only to have it spoil a few days later? You're not alone: Studies have found that Americans throw away a fourth of all the produce they buy! Here are some tips to help keep your fruits fresh as long as possible.

• Fruits such as avocados, tomatoes, mangoes, melons, apples, and pears will ripen quicker if they’re left sitting out on your countertop.
• Keep your other fruits away from bananas. They emit gases that will speed the ripening of any fruits that are nearby.
• Fruits such as grapes, citrus, and berries should always be refrigerated.
• Refrain from washing berries until you are ready to eat them. You want to store them in a dry and covered container.
• To extend the freshness of lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruit, store them in your crisper drawer or in a mesh bag in your refrigerator.
• Once fruits are fully ripe, you can refrigerate them to help them last a little longer. However, for the best flavor, you want to return them to room temperature.
• One of the worst things you could do for a fruit is to store it in an airtight bag. The lack of air flow speeds up decay.

The Kitchn's Guide to Storing Fruits and Vegetables [The Kitchn]
Keep Fruits & Vegetables Fresher Longer [American Heart Association]
Spoiled Rotten – How to Store Fruits and Vegetables [Vegetarian Times]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Gemma Billings

Wishing you a Fourth of July filled with pride, honor, and lots of fun!