In an age where children stare at their screens all day and adults rarely have a couple of hours to themselves, going to the park has become an afterthought—especially if their local park hasn’t gotten upgraded in decades. Knowing what to include to have the best neighborhood park may rekindle the motivation to visit and have a fun-filled day.
Walking Loops
Going on a stroll is a fantastic low-impact exercise that won’t overexert yourself. When taking laps around the block isn’t enough, and you want a change of scenery, going to a local park can be the best medicine. Yet, some parks may lack the necessities that allow you to have a nice walk.
If a trail isn’t possible, adding walking loops to create a path around the park is an excellent way to make the best out of a bad situation. Seniors, in particular, need a safe and reliable way to get their steps in, and a walking loop gives them a clear path without uneven payment or overgrown roots tripping them up.
Play Areas
When you think of parks, one of your first thoughts is that children live their best lives on playground equipment. Although you no longer enjoy going down a slide, it will be the highlight of a child’s day. But it’s critical to have a variety of play areas present to ensure the park never loses its luster.
In addition to the standard playground equipment that includes a slide and monkey bars, things like a splash pad and swing sets should bring a smile to your kid’s face that’s as big as yours while you watch them play.
Pickleball Courts
While basketball hoops and open fields are excellent for playing more traditional sports like basketball and soccer, other sports are worth considering. In years past, tennis courts were a popular choice; however, there’s a new court game in town.
Pickleball continues to make incredible strides as the fastest-growing sport in the country. The reason why so many people enjoy pickleball is that it’s a game for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re 10 or pushing 80; pickleball is fun for anyone who picks up a paddle. Courts are showing up all over cities across America, so your local park must jump at the chance to add them.
A Shaded Communal Area
For some people, the park isn’t about playing a game or having their children frolic from the swings to the slide; it’s more about relaxing on a beautiful afternoon. Unfortunately, a painstakingly warm day can ruin an otherwise pleasant time at the park unless you have shade structures.
During a scorcher, finding the shade can help anyone have a place to gather themselves if the heat is getting to them. Additionally, shaded structures are nice for large gatherings or parties where everyone can sit and enjoy good conversation without the sun wreaking havoc on your sight or draining your energy levels.
Learning what to include to have the best neighborhood park gives parks and recreation people an idea of what to aim for when improvements occur. Furthermore, it helps the public realize what they should want—and have—at their parks.