Updated: 22 January 2018
What motivates individuals and families to support and use city parks?
Like others I agree, “The natural beauty and fun-time activities draw everyone to them. Where emotional and memorable connections are made.” Once this bug bites it’s also realized nature provides answers to many of life’s problems.
It was Wynn Bullock who stated natures grip on our hearts and minds best, “Whenever I have found myself stuck in the ways I relate to things, I return to nature. It is my principal teacher, and I try to open my whole being to what it has to say.”
The City of Tigard understands these emotional connections and importance of environmental stewardship when prioritizing and developing these lands for recreational public use. Currently it preserves and maintains almost 550 acres of parks, including sensitive wetlands and trail systems. And throughout these places there’s something for everyone to enjoy and engage in.
I recall family gatherings in Tigard parks as a child, Smokey barbeques blazing and a lot of family fun activities over the weekends. Which included Croquet, horseshoes, lawn darts, badminton, Frisbee and water balloon catch. These activities also got parents to play alongside their kids. Parks have a way of doing that…
Fond memories formed early on at a fairly well-developed park of the time. Today its full-use potential is nearly realized.
If you’ve not been to Cook’s Park it is 79 acres of pure recreational fun making it the largest community park in the city. Boasting of well-developed baseball, soccer and event fields, picnic shelters, BBQ grills, restrooms, playground structures, river boat ramp and dock, walkable butterfly garden, etc.
During my walk through Cook’s Park – along the Tualatin River edge the other day… I recognized the maze of original dirt trails we played on as children had not changed.
Very cool!
To learn more about Tigard parks, features and amenities: http://www.tigard-or.gov/community/parks.php.
If concerned your children are leaning towards unhealthy habits and behavior, try changing things up by spending a day in a park or at an outdoor event with them.
You’ll be surprised how fast nature can capture a child’s heart, mind, imagination and attitude, and surprisingly – lifestyle choices down the road.
When children are exposed to nature’s mysteries they want to know more about it and share what they’ve learned with others. Then repeat that experience.
Nature’s gift to all – it balances us mentally, physically and spiritually and that’s good for our overall development, health and wellbeing.
Experience more events and activities in Tigard parks throughout the year. See Tigard Recreation Activity Guide” to plan a family day of fun: http://www.tigard-or.gov/recreation/index.php.
The annual family events you’ll not want to miss: Festival of Balloons in Cook Park (June). Independence Day Parade next to THS and Fireworks in THS Stadium, 4 July. Tigard Family Fest (Sep), which includes: movie in Dirksen’s Nature Park TBD by City Recreation Coordinator. Annual down Town Street Fair and Latino Festival (Sept). Then ending with Tigard Farmers Fest Market (Sept).
Good Health to You and Your Family.
Marc Woodard, MBA, BS Exercise Science, ARNG, CPT, RET., is a member of the Tigard City Council. He is a strong proponent of City involvement in providing recreational opportunities for its residents. 2017 Copy right. All rights reserved, Mirror Athlete Inc., www.mirrorathlete.org
