We all know the benefits of getting outdoors and experiencing nature. Many studies show that time in nature reduces stress and anxiety, promotes calm, promotes healthy movement, can improve concentration, lowers the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure, etc, etc. The list goes on and on. Of course, we all should be getting outdoors and experiencing nature on a regular basis.
Being in nature can be especially important for children who are experiencing challenges. Playing outdoors allows children freedom, exploration, friendship and fun. All children can and should experience time spent enjoying nature.
Enjoying Nature
Unfortunately enjoying nature isn’t as easy for some as it is for others. For people living with a variety of other challenges, getting into nature isn’t as easy as walking out the door or getting into the family car and heading to the park. Challenges can deter families and people from using what should be easily accessible. That is why many local parks and recreation departments are working to make their parks more accessible to everyone.
Making a park more accessible can mean many things. It can mean looking at local transportation connections; building more accessible play structures and trails; offering introductory tours of parks; offering hikes with transportation included or partnering with other organizations to use their expertise. Making a park more accessible can also be as simple as communicating better. To let the public know that there are ways to access a park or trail that may not be the typical way.
Most newer play structures are now built with differing abilities in mind. Some are accessible to every ability, and many have components that allow children to play freely regardless of mobility challenges. The same can be said for trails. There are trails and hikes all over Vancouver Island that are accessible. Offering a flat grade, smooth path and tapping rails for visually impaired, among other amenities. The Lighthouse Country Regional Trail in the Regional District of Nanaimo is one of these. Offering a 5km out and back fully accessible trail that meanders through the forest over bridges and around trees. This trail is popular with all ages and abilities and offers a trail that can be easily walked by anyone.
Getting Informed
Taking a tour or park orientation session can help to reduce any stress and answer any questions you have about the park or trail. Many parks and recreation departments offer these types of activities, sometimes with staff and other times in partnership with others. Look to your local activity guide or call your local parks to see what they have to offer.
If transportation issues are what is holding you back from enjoying nature, there are solutions. Local parks and recreation centres are often on bus routes and can be accessed by the public. Busses often run close to or directly to parks and trails to make them more accessible and can be a fun mode of transport for young children with their caregivers. Look at your local transit area and see where busses run to see what you can access. For some of the harder to reach parks and trails, see if your recreation and parks department is offering transportation during their programs, or join a local group or school. Local groups sometimes offer rideshares or programs that include transportation.
In addition to your local parks and recreation departments, there are many other resources within your communities that you can go to for help in accessing more natural areas. Child development centres and other local medical supply can have equipment that is available for rent and may have other resources.
And always remember that even a little bit of nature works wonders. Look out those windows, sit in the grass, feel the chill of the snow or splash in those puddles.
