Study suggests ways that parks can help citizens exercise more and stay healthy

As we get closer to the next decade, a recent study shows that parks may play a more important in our lives than ever before.

This is the digital age. Americans are spending more time indoors on electronic devices.

According to a report prepared by the City Parks Alliance "Active Park, Healthy Cities," the lack of physical inactivity is a major cause of illness and death. In fact, the study says 11% of deaths can be attributed to a lack of activity.

Yet, annually we spend $10,348 per person on health care and only $83 per person on city parks.

Spending more on city parks and getting people outdoors could change that equation.

The study suggests one of the main functions that park

"My cats inspire me daily. They inspire me to get a dog," - Greg Curtis "There ain't a man livin' who hasn't talked to his dog." - Hank Williams "Dogs have boundless enthusiasm but no sense of shame. I should have a dog as a life coach." - Moby "Every dog is a lion at home." - Henry George Bohn "I poured spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone." - Steven Wright "We've begun to long for the pitter-patter of little feet - so we bought a dog. Well, it's cheaper, and you get more feet." - Rita Rudner "Asthma doesn't seem to bother me any more unless I'm around cigars or dogs. The thing that would bother me most would be a dog smoking a cigar." - Steve Allen "What a dog I got, his favorite bone is in my arm." - Rodney Dangerfield "My fashion philosophy is, if you're not covered in dog hair, your life is empty." - Elayne Boosler

Dog park equipment such as hurdles are equipped with an adjustable bar for different dog sizes and breeds

Here is a handy preliminary checklist for those interested in starting a dog park and adding amenities such as dog park equipment.

There are apparently more than 1,000 dog parks currently in the US. From 2009 to the present, the top 100 cities in America saw nearly a 75% increase in the number of dog parks added.

One reason, a super large number of people own dogs. Nearly 50% of households in the US own at least one dog.

The total number of dogs is estimated to be a whopping 89.7 million.

That's a lot of canines.

Quick Ship Park Benches in a wide selection are available by calling The Park and Facilities Catalog

Quick Ship Park Benches are available for park and facility managers or construction superintendents who need to add commercial seating to their location very quickly.

As a major supplier in the commercial site furnishings industry since 2001, The Park and Facilities Catalog has distributed park and commercial benches to thousands of municipalities, restaurants, retail centers and other facilities across the US.

We know there are times when facility or park managers need benches to be delivered rapidly. There are instances when a project needs to be completed or public seating is required for a grand opening of a park, store, office building, etc.

That is why we stockpile benches: for those need-it-now situations.

Fire rings with cooking grates help to make a camping experience more enjoyable...and safe

Fire rings combine the ability to conveniently prepare your meals directly at your campsite, socializing around a campfire with a safe fire enclosure that is a popular way to relax with neighbors, family, and friends at a park or campground.

In addition to the ambiance and outdoor aesthetic that an outdoor fire ring provides, the functional ability to prepare an onsite snack, lunch or dinner is one of the most useful amenities that a local, state or national park can offer to their visitors.

Whether staying for the day, weekend, or longer, convenience in food preparation and cooking is always an important consideration in location choice.

And with the choices that campers and park goers have for meal preparation,