Get Outdoors and Find Community
Weekend challenge to find active park groups
In my post this week, I wrote about the importance of getting tied into groups that care and advocate for your parks. Showing up and taking part in meetings and meet ups is important, but it doesn’t have to be a chore. Choosing the community you wish to show up with can be a fun endeavor, and you’ll likely learn something about some very cool neighbors as you explore your options.
In my experience, I met everyday people who stood up for their parks and communities in incredible and inspiring ways. There was the group of trail builders who met weekly to clean up trails and clear new paths in public parks. There were the mothers who banded together to speak out against gun violence and advocate for a safe and supportive park space. There were medical professionals who joined with neighborhood leaders to organize healthy living initiatives and rallies in parks. My list goes on: volunteer water quality testers, birdwatchers conducting citizen science, and tennis coaches putting on free clinics in public parks to expand the reach of their sport.
It’s amazing to see all the ways in which people directly and indirectly work to improve their communities through public green spaces.
This weekend, I challenge you to show up at one of your favorite parks or trails at one of its busy times. If there is a public event, fundraiser, or meet up, go check it out. If it isn’t full of people, look for physical signs like fliers, permanent park signage, and deliberately maintained spaces, like butterfly gardens, bluebird houses, or little libraries. These can give you a clue as to which groups are involved in the park and who you need to contact to find out more about joining them.
As you enjoy your time outdoors, imagine yourself being a part of the gatherings you see happening. Think about how what you value in parks fits with what is currently going on, and start mentally picturing what it would look like to join in. If you feel like it and have the opportunity, jump into a conversation and learn about the ways available to be a part of others’ park projects.
I wish you all a very happy journey and hope to hear about some of your discoveries!