Vicksburg National Military Park began its two-day open house yesterday, and we commend the park for its gracious invitation to the public.

The park is something many take for granted in Vicksburg, especially those who have grown up with it in their backyard.

“The plan is just to encourage people to come on by, and come and get some refreshments, and talk to the rangers, and talk to me, and ask any questions you’d like,” Vicksburg National Military Park superintendent Bill Justice said.

He said events like this are important for the community because the park belongs to the people of the community. This special event gives the park staff an opportunity to open the door to everyone.

“It is a national park, it belongs to all the people of the United States, but it is the community’s park as well,” Justice said. “You see that everyday as people walk and run and exercise in the park.”

Park ranger Nikki Anderson said community is important to the park, and she said it’s important for the park to make and keep those relationships.

Since the new year, many have rushed to the gyms and also the park. Runners and walkers can get their fill at the Vicksburg National Military Park.

There are loops as short as a quarter of a mile and other loops longer than 10 miles. Exercise enthusiasts can pick a combination of paths to get their workouts.

If using the park for exercise isn’t your cup of tea, you can also attend the many programs put on by the Vicksburg National Military Park. The park rangers provide a wealth of knowledge about an array of topics related to the history contained within the park.

History buffs have the opportunity to go behind the scenes of Union and Confederate lines to get a feel for what it was like for the many soldiers who fought in Vicksburg.

Monuments and plaques line the walkway to give park visitors information and there is an audio tour as well.