New Year, New Park-Related Resolutions

The end of the year is a great time to make a plan and work towards a healthier and happier 2023! Why not think about setting resolutions that you can achieve in your local parks and rec? Local parks and recreation offer so many great opportunities to enhance your health, get outdoors, connect with nature, and volunteer. They add value to your life and are the livelihood of your community.  Read on to see some examples of resolutions you can add to your list while incorporating your local Pennsylvania parks!

Pick up a new park-friendly hobby, like foraging
There are so many activities to explore at your local park, no matter what your interests are.  Spend an afternoon having a picnic with friends.  Commit to exploring a new trail or path once a month.  Bring your binoculars or magnifying glasses to take a closer look at the local wildlife.  Learn more about foraging for local food resources.  You may surprise yourself with what new hobbies you can learn.  Click here for a list of ideas.

Clean up your local park by picking up litter once a month
Picking up trash will make a huge difference in the appearance and vibe of your local park and will encourage others to maintain a pristine park. When picking up trash and debris, make sure to wear gloves to protect yourself, and put trash in appropriate receptacles or lawn bags.  Even a once-a-month commitment to cleaning up litter is a great way to care for your local environment, get some exercise, and inspire others to keep it clean!

Attend more community meetings, like Town Halls, and become a voice for your local parks
Maybe you love spending time at your local parks, but you’re concerned that they’re falling into disrepair, or that these green spaces aren’t receiving the necessary funding. By becoming a public parks advocate and supporting better conditions through your local government, you can be the change you want to see in your community.  Contacting your local elected officials may sound intimidating – but remember, they work for you!

Get outside to exercise – whether it’s walking a lap around your park or doing a few pull-ups on the monkey bars
If exercise is part of your routine, or if you’d like to incorporate it into your routine, save money on gym memberships and take advantage of your local parks!  Exercising outdoors provides all the physical benefits of indoor exercise (blood flow, improved cardiovascular health, improved strength, flexibility, endurance, etc.) and can also provide vital exposure to sunlight that increases important levels of vitamin D, unlike indoor exercise.  

Spend more quality time with your four-legged friend by exploring dog parks
It can be a great place for dogs to get some fun exercise and outdoor stimulation, which helps them relax when they get back home.  In addition to helping dogs learn how to socialize, you can also spend time getting to know other dog owners in your area.  As beneficial as walking your pet on a leash can be for you, letting Fido run free can be even more so, especially if you run along too. Visiting the park not only gets you out of the house, but it gives you a break from retracing the same steps in your neighborhood day in and day out.

Host a community gathering in your local park; get the neighborhood together for a good old-fashioned, potluck picnic
Nothing brings people together like food.  Host or co-host the ultimate potluck to share friendship, stories, and a good meal. No worries about cleaning up your house for guests when you can simply organize a gathering outside at your local park. 

 

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