Better views to better health: The many benefits to living near local parks

Northern Virginia is home to hundreds of parks, including hiking trails, forests, national parks, walking trails, and nature and wildlife areas.

Many local parks and other recreation venues surround Manassas Park, Woodbridge, Gainesville, and other cities in Prince William County. Living near green spaces can not only improve the view as you drive to and from work or school, but it can also improve both your mental and physical health.

The CDC (Center for Disease Control) recommends that children and teens perform an hour or more of physical activity each day and adults perform over two hours of physical activity every week. However, only about 35 percent of children meet the recommended levels of exercise, and only 44 percent of adults meet the recommended levels. If you live near a local park, you may be more likely to explore outdoor activities such as jogging, hiking, or biking as opposed to people living in places with little access to parks and green spaces.

Another benefit of living near a local park is the ability to relieve stress. If you’re feeling stressed after a long day of work, try visiting your nearest park. Go for a walk on a trail, or maybe even sit on a bench and admire the nature, and you may feel more relaxed. According to the NRPA (National Recreation and Parks Association), physician-diagnosed depression was 33 percent higher in the residential areas with the fewest green spaces, compared to the neighborhoods with the most.

Besides the health benefits that come with living near a park, they are also a great place for communities to come together. Encourage your family to find more about events happening near you, such as family markets, festivals, and other holiday events. You may find your favorite event is closer to you than you think.

If you’re in the area, why not visit one of our parks? Costello Park surrounds the Manassas Park Community Center and consists of baseball fields as well as a cricket field, a basketball court, and a dog park.

Signal Hill Park, located on Signal View Drive, has soccer, baseball, and football fields available. The walking trails and paths around the park are a perfect way to exercise and enjoy nature. Our parks host several special events throughout the year, including our annual Kite Festival at Signal Hill Park and our Easter Egg Hunts at Costello Park.

Parks are an important part of our community, and we encourage you to venture out and take advantage of these resources to improve your quality of life.

The Manassas Park Community Center is located at 99 Adams Street in Manassas Park, VA. Managed by the City of Manassas Park Department of Parks and Recreation, the facility is home to basketball courts, a swimming pool, wellness areas, special events, and recreational classes. For more information visit us at www.ManassasParkCommunityCenter.com or call at 703-335-8872.

Photo: Go fly a kite! The annual Kite Festival at Signal Hill Park is a great way to meet people in your community while spending a relaxing afternoon with your friends and family.