Parks Aren't Just For Play

“Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.”

Mr. Rogers

“Nature is a tool to get children to experience not only the wider world, but themselves.”

Stephen Moss, Author and Nature Historian

When children have the experience of unstructured play like on a playground or in a park, we allow their imaginations to run free.

They’re free to learn independence and enhance critical-thinking skills. They overcome obstacles like on the monkey bars or learn to face their fears by climbing to the top of a tall slide. There are lessons that involve navigating social networks or learning to play and work together to make up rules for a game. Time at parks helps improve motor skills and increase attention spans, and most importantly, provides space for unstructured play.

We are never as imaginative as when we are children. From discovering uncharted territory to building hidden forts, kids can let their imaginations run wild in a park.

While a park can provide the much-needed connection to the outdoors, it also provides an opportunity for quality family time. Over picnics, barbeques and swing sets, parks provide families much needed distraction from the digital world where they can strengthen their bonds.

Each trip to a park brings new adventures. For children, facing challenges outdoors and learning about nature and wildlife builds a sense of self confidence and an appreciation for their own resourcefulness.

According to the Countywide Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment, in LA County six in ten children 0-5 years old live in High or Very High Park Need areas.

That’s over 378,000 children.