Even on these cold December days, a walk in the park is nice. Just getting out, stretching the legs, and breathing some fresh air can be a nice break in your day. Last week I did just that at Hazel Dell Park. As someone who was raised in Southern California, I truly appreciate parks like Hazel Dell Park. The reason: trees! Lots of them!!! Even though I have lived in the Northwest for 11 years, I am still in awe of the evergreen trees in this area. Hazel Dell Park is smack dab in the middle of town but still exudes a forest. Walking the short hiking trail, I enjoyed the switchbacks through the trees and thought about how lucky I am not to be living in the concrete jungle of Los Angeles anymore. And since I'm raising my children here in the Northwest, I want them to appreciate what they have here. There aren't many places in this country where you can have a playground surround by a small forest!

 Don't take the beauty of Clark County for granted! We are blessed to live in this part of the country and many of our Clark County parks display the beauty we all enjoy about this area.

Have a great day!

Chris Hyde