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Boy in swing at park

Parks and Recreation picture

Parks and Recreation Month is Celebrated in July. This is a time to advocate the importance of parks and recreation. There are many benefits for having parks and recreation in our communities.

Could you imagine New York City without Central Park? The city would be a complete concrete grid without the park. The park provides people in the city with access to nature. There are trees and lakes and some wildlife. The park offers opportunities for activities and special events. The city (as with any city) would be dull without the park. Members of the community would not be as health and happy.

There are many benefits for having parks and recreation in our communities.

Here are three key benefits for having parks and recreation in our communities:

1.) Physical health and wellness

Parks offer an opportunity for people to stay physically fit through activities. Different parks offer different fitness activities. People can take a walk at most parks. Some parks offer swimming. There are many games played at parks, including: basketball, tennis, badminton, volleyball, and more. Some parks (in the northern states) offer things like ice-skating. Some parks (in the mountain states offer hiking or snowboarding).  Research shows that staying physically active helps to promote health and wellness.

 2.) Social health and wellness:

 

Parks and recreation offer an opportunity for people to stay connected. Parks are a place where people can spend quality time with family and friends. People enjoy picnics or participate in group sports. People meet up at the park to do activities like sports or picnics. Parents can teach their kids to fly a kite or catch a fish. Many special events are held at parks that join people too.  People get together for fairs, festivals, and concerts. Research shows that staying socially connected helps to promote health and wellness.

3.) Emotional health and wellness:

Parks and recreation offer an opportunity to feel good. People go to parks to escape stress or routine. They go to have fun. People participate in activities that make them feel happy like photography, enjoying nature, skateboarding, do group yoga, or many other activities. Activities are often recommended by counselors as a way to cope with stress.

 

Parks and recreation are keeps our communities healthy. Parks offer opportunities to maintain and promote overall health and wellness in our communities. People have the opportunity to stay physical fit, social connected and emotional well.  People might not be as health or happy without parks. We need parks and recreation in our communities.