Experience the Power of Parks This Summer

Summertime is the perfect time for families, pet owners and community members to embrace the power of their public parks. More than just scenery, community parks are vital outdoor spaces that boost mental health and physical wellness, provide critical cooling for urban environments and provide free venues for making summer memories.

Parks connect us to nature, our neighbors and our own well-being. This summer, the TurfMutt Foundation encourages everyone to expand their “backyarding” mindset beyond their home’s fence line and into our shared community spaces.

TurfMutt offers the following tips to help you harness the power of parks:

• Community Connection. If your personal outdoor space is limited, the park is your shared backyard. Use it for sprawling family reunions, intimate sunset picnics or walking clubs.
• Take the Office Outdoors. Swap your cubicle for a shaded picnic table. Natural light and fresh air provide a much-needed cure for digital fatigue.
• Nature’s Gym. Trade the air-conditioned gym for a patch of park grass to make your workout that much more effective and enjoyable.
• Prioritize Howling Good Times. Dog parks are essential for canine socialization and manners. Just remember to follow dog park etiquette and rules to keep everyone safe and happy.
• Utilize the Living Classroom. Mitigate the “summer slide” and lure your kids away from screens by visiting the park to identify local flora, fauna and wildlife. Use TurfMutt’s online resources to turn a nature walk into a fun, hands-on lesson.
• Practice a “Mindful Minute.” Sometimes the best park activity is doing nothing at all. Unplug and recharge by focusing on a park’s birdsongs or the breeze in the trees.

Check out TurfMutt.com for even more inspiration about how to harness the power of parks this summer.