A Walk in the Park (#16)

You just never know what you’ll find on a walk in the park.

This week, on the evening of my birthday, my husband and I took a stroll through Northeast Community Park to ‘walk off’ the large ice cream treat we had enjoyed in celebration. Near the end of our walk, we discovered a cute little scene that made us both chuckle. A child had obviously enjoyed some playtime in the park, leaving behind a lineup of toy vehicles ready to help with some serious dirt work.

This moment reminded me that the park isn’t just about sports courts and walking trails – though we love all those things. It is also a place where families and friends in our community can come together and connect with nature, and where children can unleash their imaginations through creative play. I can only imagine the incredible construction projects this youngster dreamed up!

We are excited as we look forward to the completion of Phase 3 of the park in 2025, which will feature a beautiful, fully accessible playground. The benefits of playgrounds are well-documented, but our area has long been considered a “play desert,” lacking these essential spaces for children. Besides encouraging physical exercise, playgrounds boost confidence, promote imagination, and improve coordination. They also advance critical thinking, support reflexes and muscle function, and provide valuable opportunities for social interaction. This playground will not only enhance the park but also benefit the children and families in our community.  

Playing in the dirt – whether building roads or making mud pies – has always been a favorite activity for children, and it was a joy to see these toys and think about the fun this child had. Still, my heart is excited by the vision of the new play options to come! Maybe – just maybe – they will even top the joy of playing in the dirt!