Neighborhood Parks Are A Great Asset

Neighborhood Parks Are a Great Asset

The city or county neighborhood parks are a great asset to the quality of living in our communities.

Parks are for enjoying and here are some of the things in our neighborhood park that I am enjoying.

Gets me outside to enjoy the great outdoors for awhile. Takes me away from the computer, TV and the confines of the house. Clears your mind. Or get some subconscious thinking in.

Nature is all around in a park from the walking trails through the woods, the community gardens, wide open fields with birds, ducks and squirrels, fish swimming in the pond while frogs are jumping. Look up in the sky, over at the trees and down at the insects running around on the ground.  Sit on a park bench near the pond or on the walking trails and just sit still for 15 minutes.

Exercise the natural way in a park with walking the trails or just stroll around the athletic fields. Walking is enjoyable when done at the park.

Have a gathering of family / friends at the pavilions and cook out on the bar-b-gue grills.

Play games in the park from Frisbee, tennis, softball, bocce ball, horseshoes or more. Join a park league for any sport and enjoy the socialization as well as meeting new friends.

Just sit and enjoy the scenery with vistas that are open and being used by people. Watch a T-ball game or a yoga class. Vitamin D is gained from the sunshine.

Visit the recreation building or senior center, many of which are located at neighborhood parks. These usually have all sorts of programs and activities to keep you active and provide some fun as well.

Practice your hobby at the park. I have seen watercolor artists, model cars and planes, boats and photographers at the park.

Enjoy the dog park many of which are located at neighborhood parks. Even if no dog park, then just dog walking and play areas are available.

Enjoy the weekend farmers market or craft shows at the park.

Develop a routine to stop by the park on a regular basis and you will start to see the benefits as well as the possibilities. Neighborhood parks are a value to the community. Next time I move I may consider how close a neighborhood park is to my new community before buying a home. I have thought that a home for my retirement living should be located near a park. But don't wait for retirement, start using your park today.