Parks Department Encourages Time Outdoors With Masks And Distance

Press release from Newington Parks and Recreation:

Oct. 11, 2020

Dear Editor:

Now that the beautiful fall weather is here, there is plenty of time for adults and families to enjoy the many benefits offered through the use of the Newington Parks and Recreation Department’s parks and facilities. During these challenging times, we have seen a huge uptick in park use and it has become abundantly clear that our parks are one of our most valuable resources. For many in our community, protecting their physical health by staying home, in isolation, has come at a cost of their mental health. Feelings of social isolation and loneliness have unfortunately led to an increased rate of anxiety and depression. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 40% of adults in the U.S. report struggling with mental health issues during the pandemic including depression and anxiety. The good news is, that making small changes to your routine while living in this “new normal” can help our overall well-being. Staying active is one of the best ways to stay healthy, physically and mentally, and it is a great way to relieve stress. Exercise and physical activity pumps the production of endorphins to our brains, which trigger positive feelings throughout the body, and has been shown to help combat depression and to help better manage stress. Exercise can also improve sleep which is often disturbed by stress, depression, and anxiety. Spending time outdoors offers us a brief escape from the daily stress and is also linked to our mood. Just 20 minutes a day outdoors in the sun gives you your daily dose of Vitamin D, which helps boost the immune system and can also help fight depression.

Here in Newington, we are very fortunate to have several parks, trails, and outdoor exercise areas that the community can utilize safely. Mill Pond Park offers a great walking path around beautiful Mill Pond, as well as the Saputo outdoor exercise equipment area. This time of year is especially beautiful in the park with vibrant colors of red, orange, and gold fall foliage. For those who enjoy photography, it’s a great opportunity to snap some gorgeous photos. For those who prefer to passively recreate, the Mill Pond Waterfall and the Mill Pond Sensory Garden offer a peaceful place to meditate and get some fresh air. Churchill Park also offers a walking path through the park and around Churchill Pond, as well as the Bob Stanley Nature Trail for hiking and bird watching. There is also a hiking trail on Cedar Mountain that offers stunning views of the Town of Newington. Clem Lemire Recreation Complex offers a brand new AARP outdoor exercise equipment area, a new children’s playground, a recently renovated skatepark, and a shaded picnic area. Families and people of all ages will each find something to enjoy here.

Adults are using the parks now more than ever, and according to a new report from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), approximately 82% of adults in the U.S. believe that parks and recreation is essential and 72% are more likely to vote for legislators who support parks and recreation funding. The report also highlights that 77% of people say having a park, playground, open green space, or recreation center nearby is a big factor in the decision of where people chose to live and/or purchase a home. We, as a department, realize the vital role our parks play in drawing new families to Newington. In fact, studies have shown that living in close proximity to a park increases the value of your home up to 20%. The benefits truly are endless.

The Newington Parks and Recreation Department encourages the community to explore our parks and facilities and to take an active role in maintaining good physical health and overall well-being. Please remember to wear a mask and continue practicing social distancing for everyone’s safety. If visiting our park system is new to you, why not try taking your family to one of our beautiful parks and take advantage of all our numerous services. For more information, please contact the Newington Parks and Recreation office at 860-665-8666 or visit our website at www.newingtonct.gov/parksandrec.

Providing a safe place to recreate during these difficult times is very important to our Department and we will continue to explore new ways of reaching you. We are all in this together and together we can Build a Strong Community!

With warm kindness,

William A. DeMaio

William A. DeMaio, CPRP
Superintendent of Parks and Recreation

This press release was produced by Newington Parks and Recreation. The views expressed here are the author's own.