Many people have wonderful memories of spending time at their neighborhood parks. Parks are at the center of so many special life experiences, from family picnics and after-school activities to festivals, fireworks, and Little League games. Many of us first experienced nature there, learned to ride a bike, or started a favorite hobby there.
It’s never been more important to treasure our local parks and all they provide us, and to use them to their fullest. And during Park and Recreation Month, we’ve got some suggestions from lifestyle blog LifeSavvy to help you do just that.
Turn Walks Into Learning Experiences
Whether you’re strolling the trails alone or with your family, there are several ways you can turn your walk into a learning experience. From plants and birds to all the other animals you might see scampering about, there’s plenty of stuff to learn more about in the great outdoors. Use your phone while you walk to photograph the different species you see. Then look them up and learn about them. Bird watching and botany are both excellent hobbies to enjoy while walking park trails.
Join A Community Gardening Program
Many parks offer community gardening programs, where you can either grow food of your own or just help beautify public spaces. It’s not only a healthy pastime, but also a great way to meet other people with similar interests. According to an NRPA study, 51 percent of gardening program participants reported eating more fruits and vegetables after growing their own. Youth participants also reported working better with others on a team, caring more about the environment, and making friends easier by working in gardens.
Go Fishing
If your local park has a pond or river, pack up your fishing pole and tackle box and take them along. Often, parks have great shore fishing. Some might even offer boat rentals so you can go farther out to catch some fish. Whether you prefer to catch and release or fish for dinner, it’s a fun way to enjoy some time at the park.
Create Some Art
Parks are a great place to find some artistic inspiration. Take your paints, an easel, and a canvas with you, and paint some of your favorite settings. If you’re not into painting, just take a pencil and sketchbook and do some drawing. Parks also offer tons of opportunities to practice your photography skills, whether you use a digital camera or just snap some pics with your phone.
Do Some Yoga
If your yoga practice has been cramped indoors for far too long, take it to the park. Some yoga studios offer group sessions outdoors, but there’s no reason you can't do it on your own. Maybe just invest in an affordable mat that’s appropriate to use outdoors.
Try A New Fitness Routine
If yoga isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other things you can do outside that not only count as exercise but also make great hobbies. Your local park probably has walking paths and basketball and tennis courts, so those activities are easy to try. Many community parks and recreation departments offer all kinds of other outdoor fitness classes and activities, too. Just find one that sounds interesting to you and give it a try.
Get Some Work Done
While there may not be Wi-Fi available at the park, you can still enjoy the outdoors while you work. Just save your assignments offline and work on them while enjoying the fresh air. You can use a picnic table as a desk or just plop down under a nice shade tree. And if you have a Wi-Fi hot spot with you, you won’t even have to worry about being without the internet.
Just Take a Break
Maybe you don’t feel like working or playing sports or going for a walk and you just want to relax. Good! Look for a quiet place at your local park where you can sit (or lie down if you’re so inclined) and take in the beauty and solitude. Take your headphones or earbuds with you and listen to music or a guided meditation. If your favorite way to relax is inside the pages of a good book, take one with you and read for a while on a park bench or under a tree.
Now that you have a list of things to do at your local parks, here are some parks around Central Ohio to visit:
Scioto Grove Metro Park
South of Columbus, along the Scioto River, sits the magnificent 620-acre park known as Scioto Grove. The park has 8 trails with distances ranging from .3 miles to 2.5 miles each. All of them are ideal for a stroll on a lovely day, whether they weave through Grove City's rural areas or hug the river directly.
Goodale Park
The 32-acre park, which is located in the charming Victorian Village area, is the oldest park in the city. A gazebo, a pond, walking routes, and more are offered.
Antrim Park
The Olentangy Greenway Trail and a quarry lake surround Antrim Park, a nearly 120-acre park that is ideal for biking, running, and walking.
Schiller Park
Schiller Park, the second-oldest park in the city, is the ideal location for an evening stroll. You can bring your pet along for a walk in the park, which is surrounded by the old German Village and has paved trails all throughout.
Hayden Falls Parks
Hayden Falls Park is a two-mile trail with a treat at the end. You will find a lovely waterfall that serves as the reward for walking the length of this trail.
Research suggests that outdoor activities help reduce chronic disease, relieve stress, and improve mental health. So whether you need some alone time or just want to get the whole family outside more, there’s every reason to get out and enjoy local parks and literally no limit to number of ways you can do it. So contact your community parks and rec department to learn about all the programs and recreation spaces available in your local parks. And get outside. There’s a good chance you’ll be happier and healthier as a result.