Personally, I think it’s no accident that Peace Park is situated close to both the J-School and Lee Hills Hall. Journalism is fun and amazing and awesome and exciting and the only thing that many Mizzou student could ever see themselves doing.

But it’s also really freakin’ hard, y’all.

So it’s nice to have a quiet park in which to relax, study, procrastinate on stories, protest war, occasionally happen upon a topless rally…

(Don’t worry, I’ll get to that in a minute).

But let’s start at the beginning.

Originally named “McAlester Park,” like McAlester Hall which is directly to the park’s south, the park was renamed “Peace Park” in 1971 after a [ceremony](http://umcspace.missouri.edu/historic/buildings/PeacePark/files/antiwar.pdf) commemorating the lives of the students who were killed in the Kent State shootings. In the wake of the May 4, 1970 tragedy, demonstrations took place across MU’s campus, both in protest of the Vietnam War and of the shooting itself.

In addition to standing as a memorial, the park has since become a hub of sorts for peaceful protest and activism. Past demonstrations have included anti-war protests, pro-nuclear disarmament rallies, and gatherings of social justice groups –– including the aforementioned Go Topless rally, put on by a group advocating for the ability of women to go shirtless in public, just like men.

But the park isn’t always in use as a nexus of social change. Sometimes it’s “just a park.” The area south of Elm Street and between Sixth and and Eighth streets isn’t always filled with demonstrations. Often, it’s quiet, and, well, _peaceful_.

Except for when things like, say, medieval battle reenactments transpire.

Students in MU’s Society for Creative Anachronism used to stage battles in Peace Park, complete with full medieval regalia –– swords, shields and mobility-limiting armor. The whole nine yards, really.

Not into Renaissance Faires? Maybe you’re looking for more of a fairytale. Then you’ll be pleased to know of an old MU legend that states that if you cross the Peace Park bridge with your significant other, you’re destined to marry. (Note: the last time yours truly traversed said bridge, I was approached by a stoner chick who told me I had “way dope hair.” Not sure what that says about our respective fates, but I’m kind of hoping it means I’m destined for more good hair days? I digress).

No matter what you find in the park, be it name tag- and lanyard-wearing freshman eating pizza at a Fall Welcome event, activists voicing their concerns (with or without shirts — it varies), bros strumming “Wonderwall” while their fellow bros play hacky sack or just some Tigers chilling in the shade, one thing’s for certain: you’ll be at peace.

(Unless there are people jousting behind you. Kind of a tranquility killer.)