take a walk in a park day Wed. March 30 is "Take a Walk in a Park Day" and a time to appreciate the value of parks

If you are looking for something to do on Wed., March 30, here's a worthwhile (and free) activity to fill your calendar. That day is national "Take A Walk In A Park Day."

This official designation is meant as a reminder for Americans to set aside time Wednesday or any day for a walk in a park and get yourself a shot of "Vitamin G" (for green).

It's not an endeavor that will cost you any money. You won't need special equipment to participate. You can do it alone or with a friend.

Okay, people might say. I get it. Taking a walk in a park is good for you. Inhale a bit of fresh air, absorb a little sunshine, take a few minutes to relax. And then get out of there. Sure, we're kind of busy but we will keep that take a walk in a park day in mind.

Actually, there's a much bigger picture behind take a walk in a park day.

According to study titled "Parks and Other Green Environments: Essential Components of a Healthy Human Habitat" conducted by the National Recreation and Parks Association, researchers are finding there's a myriad of new benefits coming out from spending time in a park.

For example, scientists were able to determine that if a person spent time in an environment that had say 90% green space compared to 10%, there was a measurable improvement in people suffering from the following ailments:

  • High blood pressure
  • Cardiac disease
  • Neck and back complaints
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Upper respiratory tract infections
  • Bronchitis
  • Asthma
  • Migraines
  • Severe intestinal complaints
  • Eczema
  • Diabetes
  • Cancer

family takes a walk in park Parks help create happy familie

Children suffering from ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) were placed in three different environments - a neighborhood, an urban setting and a park. After spending time in each, researchers found the kids who spent time in a park were able to concentrate better compared to the other environments.

Nearly 75% of diabetics who went for a walk in a park had a decrease in their glucose.

It gets better. Scientists also found a difference in the demeanor of people who live in apartment buildings with a view of trees compared to those who just had a view of another concrete apartment building.

The apartment dwellers who had foliage outside their windows exhibited less aggressive behavior.

Courtyards in apartment complexes that were filled with trees, bushes and grass attracted more people than barren courtyards. When people hung out in courtyards surrounded by greenery, they tended to be more sociable with their neighbors. Those relationships are critical for many families or single moms who need the help of each other to get by.

Studies also show people who live near parks or green spaces, are more likely to interact favorably with different ethnic groups.

Basically, the more greenery there is, the better we all get along. It's a very simple formula for creating a positive sense of community in a city or town.

In fact, there was actually a proven relationship between the incidences of crime in certain areas depending on how much vegetation was present. That's right, the more greenery present in a location, the less crime.

Take a walk in a park day is like a "forest bath"

Spending time in a park is the medicine to help overcome stressful living for all of us. According to the NRPA report, 79% of people who spent time in a garden reported they felt more relaxed and calmer. Twenty-five percent said they felt "stronger and refreshed."

seniors in a park Studies show spending time in a park relieves many ailment

In fact, in Japan, they have a practice they call "shinrin-yoku" or "forest bathing." The idea is to just take 15 minutes walking or sitting in a green setting absorbing all that oxygen and sunlight and soothing, non-electrical colors of the forest The result? Reduced stress and calm.

The implications of studies like this are tremendous. Here's why. It's predicted that by the year 2030, nearly 70% of the Earth's population will live in urban areas. That's a lot of glass, asphalt and concrete instead of grass, trees and ponds.

As we all crowd into tighter spaces, we'll lose more of our interaction with nature. As we can see, the consequences for our physical, social and spiritual well-beings will be challenged to an even greater degree.

Think about it, for the past few million years we lived outdoors. We're built to run through forests and jungles. That has changed this past century and it about to change even more dramatically.

Parks will be the antidote to this continued shift in our lifestyles.

Carving out green oases in these urban areas will be more critical than ever.

That's something to think about on "Take A Walk In A Park Day." Parks are lifesavers. Sanctuaries of nature to be enjoyed by the entire community.

Perhaps you haven't been out to check on your property in a while. Here's an excuse to do it. Go sit on a park bench overlooking a lake. Take a walk on a trail. Gather your family around a park picnic table. Cook a meal on a park grill.

Parks are precious, free and healthy. Take time out to appreciate them. In the future, mankind will need to pay attention to "Vitamin G" more than ever.

Note: The Park and Facilities Catalog is an advocate for parks and a national supplier of picnic tables such as wood picnic tables, plastic picnic tables,  and metal picnic tables (ADA versions available) in addition to other park furnishings.