May 20, 2023, marks the 13th annual Kids to Parks Day, a national day of outdoor recreation celebrated each year on the third Saturday in May. The holiday was established by the National Park Trust in 2010 to engage kids and their families with memorable outdoor experiences—fostering future generations of park stewards. People of all ages are encouraged to spend the day connecting with nature and exploring their local, state, and national parks and public lands.

Parks Benefit People…and So Much More!

GAI’s multidisciplinary park professionals—including landscape architects, planners, engineers, and economists—understand the many meaningful ways in which parks create stronger communities. Parks bring a diversity of people together, contribute to environmental sustainability, support local economic growth, and, notably, increase public health and well-being. The average American spends only 7% of their life outdoors; however, according to a June 2019 scientific report published on the Nature.com journal website,¹ spending at least 2 hours per week in nature has been recognized as an effective way to relieve stress, improve one’s mental health, and reduce the risks of certain physical health conditions. Over the past decade, research has explored the link between nature and better health out of which has come the growing trend of doctors prescribing “park prescriptions” and the establishment of a non-profit program that encourages patients young and old to spend more time outside.

Get Outside Today!

At GAI, we believe that a successful parks system is a key to the health of great communities and those within it. Below is a roundup of some noteworthy GAI park projects, which further demonstrate our commitment to creating active, diverse, sustainable, and authentic places. This May 20—and every other day—we invite you to go outside and connect with the environment, the community, and each other.

To learn more about our parks experience, click on a project below:

Lake Lorna Doone Park Barboursville Park Healthy West Orange
Wellness Park Clay Center
Sculpture Garden Lake Eola Park
Master Plan Rolling Hills
Community Park Wauwatosa Village
Streetscapes and Parks Stephens Park
Improvements Valley Park
Improvements Downtown Maitland
Master Plan Liberty Green Park Victory Pointe Park

 

Contact Pete Sechler, PLA, AICP, MBA at 321.319.3126 for more information about the GAI Community Solutions Group’s range of urban planning, landscape architecture and design, and economics and strategy services.