July may be coming to a close, but it’s never too late to celebrate our parks! This month is Park and Recreation Month, a time that shines a light on the value of parks and green spaces in our communities.
Not only are parks integral to our environment, but they also improve our health. Studies show that by having more access to open spaces and living in places with increased walkability, we are better equipped to maintain a healthy weight and fight against chronic diseases. Walking through forested areas is also shown to alleviate our anxiety and stress.
Ready to cultivate a healthier lifestyle while enjoying the great outdoors? We’ve put together this guide for five ways to recognize Park and Recreation Month this year.
Visit your local park.
Chances are, you don’t have to travel far to find a park worth exploring. Check out your city’s Parks and Recreation website to locate a park near you, and see if they are hosting any community events. From movies on the lawn to field days to outdoor concerts, you can often find free or inexpensive activities in your area that are fun for the whole family.
Explore a Florida State Park.
There are nearly 200 state parks in Florida, so if you’re looking for a change in scenery, try out a state park you’ve never visited before. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, birding or kayaking, there’s something out there for everyone. For more inspiration, you can learn more about the best state parks for a picnic, six unique places to go camping in Florida, or – if you’re a fan of air conditioning but want to enjoy a night under the stars – it may be time to try glamping!
Discover a new hiking trail.
Outside of the state parks, there are plenty of hiking trails throughout Florida that are worth a visit. If you find yourself strolling along the same hiking trails and need a change in pace, try downloading an app like AllTrails. This app allows you to search by location and gain valuable insights into what each trail has to offer. You’ll find out the length of the trail, elevation gain, whether or not it may be kid-friendly or stroller-friendly, amount of shade and more. Users also leave reviews, so you can read their comments ahead of time and learn what other hikers may have to say about the experience.
Work to improve your own community parks.
Volunteering your time is an incredible way to give back to the community and celebrate your local parks! Consider attending a neighborhood park cleanup or organize a cleanup project of your own. Set up a free library in your local park. Give back monetarily. Whatever resonates with you the most, figure out a way to give back and consider getting the whole family involved!
Advocate for your parks.
This year, the theme for Park and Recreation Month is We Rise Up. The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is encouraging those interested in supporting their parks to get informed about public policies and use their voices. You can sign up for free Advocacy Alerts from NRPA to learn about critical legislation and how to make your voice heard in Congress.
No matter how you celebrate, be sure to make time for our parks this summer and enjoy all of the beautiful green spaces your community has to offer!
Corporate Health Fairs Offers
Employers – complete no-cost health and wellness events designed to engage and energize their most valuable assets… employees and executives. Custom-tailored solutions that empower employees to take a proactive role in their own wellness via direct access to our spectrum of local health development services and service providers.
Healthcare and Wellness Providers – Access to potential clients in an environment designed to foster health & wellness.
Insurance Brokers and Distributors – A unique business model that delivers a tremendous value-added benefit for your clients.
Call us: (407) 463-1514
Email us:
events@corporatehealthfairsorlando.com
events@corporatehealthfairsjacksonville.com
events@corporatehealthfairstampa.com