Parkways Seattle Parks and Recreation

Parkways

Seattle Parks and Recreation news and events

Studies show a quick trip to the park can boost your mood

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Marshall Park in Queen Anne. Photo by TIA International Photography

Marshall Park in Queen Anne. Photo by TIA International Photography

“I just need some air.”

After a long day at the office, a long car ride or a television binge session, you’ll often hear people say it. We know our bodies crave a dose of the outdoors every now and then, but why?

New studies from the TKF Foundation, an organization that supports creation of public greenspaces, found that spending just 10 minutes in nature two to three times per week yields health benefits. An Associated Press article published in The Seattle Times Nov. 29 stated that the foundation hopes to share the results of their studies in order to help urban residents deal with stress. [Read more…]

Broad range of free dental, vision and medical services offered at giant health clinic

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People in need of dental, medical and vision services may receive them free of charge at the largest free health clinic ever organized in the State of Washington, Seattle/King County Clinic, Oct. 22 – 25, in KeyArena at Seattle Center.

Now in its second year, Seattle/King County Clinic brings together over 100 healthcare organizations, civic agencies, nonprofit entities, private businesses and thousands of volunteers with a goal of providing over $2.5 million in services to underserved and vulnerable populations. This extraordinary free clinic offers a broad range of medical, dental, and vision care with an expectation of helping as many as 4,000 people in need over the four-day period. Here is how the Clinic works:

· Clinic patients receive treatment on a first-come, first-served basis. [Read more…]

Get healthy with us

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It’s a walk in the park

Get-Out-and-Walk-InfographicStarting a new fitness routine can be intimidating, that’s why we’re recommending that you start this one step at a time – literally. The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) recently released a video encouraging people to walk more.

According to the NRPA, one-third of the adults in the United States are overweight, and less than 50 percent of adults get their needed amount of recommended weekly exercise.  Walking just 30 minutes each day has long-term benefits. It can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, depression and some cancers and can lower blood pressure and sugar levels.

So let’s get started. Seattle Parks and Recreation has 120 miles of developed and semi-developed trails scattered through beautiful forests, beaches and meadows. Take a look at the list here and pick a walk for yourself this weekend. If you want something more urban, do some laps at Green Lake Park or Maple Leaf Reservoir Park or walk along the water at Lake Union.

With 400+ parks in our area, there’s no reason not to get moving! Grab your tennis shoes and get healthier.

Seattle Parks offers Sound Steps spring training program; Great opportunity for adults 50+ to train for long walks and good health

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Are you 50 or better? This is your year to get in shape! Train with Seattle Parks and Recreation’s Sound Steps program and get ready for a 5 km, 10 km or Half Marathon walk.

Sound Steps offers this annual free “Spring Training” program to prepare adults age 50 and older to walk in a 5K, 10K or Half Marathon walk. Both beginning and experienced walkers are welcome.

Join us for one of two orientation sessions:
• South Orientation Session, Saturday, January 26, 10 a.m. to noon, Jefferson Community Center, 3801 Beacon Ave. S

• North Orientation Session, Wednesday, January 30, 1-3 p.m., Greenwood Senior Center 525 N 85th St.

Then, Saturday morning training walks take place from February through June, in south and north Seattle. Please call Mari Becker at 206-684-4664 or email her at mari.becker@seattle.gov to sign up for an orientation session where you will receive your registration packet.

Sound Steps is a volunteer supported Seattle Parks and Recreation walking program in the Lifelong Recreation unit, designed to get adults age 50+ moving and gaining the health benefits of regular exercise. For more information on Sound Steps, please go to
www.seattle.gov/parks/seniors/soundsteps.htm.

Mark your calendar: Free family-friendly Big Day of Play is Saturday, August 25

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Music! Games! Food! Fun! Blitz the Seahawk!

This year Seattle Parks and Recreation’s Big Day of Play will be bigger and better than ever!

It’s a fun way to get important information about health and wellness, enjoyable ways to become active, healthy food, and how recreation can change your life. Big Day of Play grew out of Parks’ Healthy Parks, Healthy You initiative, which aligns with national efforts such as First Lady Michele Obama’s Let’s Move! efforts.

Recent statistics on obesity are no secret, and they are waking us up across the nation to the importance of nutritious food and regular exercise to becoming fit and thus avoiding diabetes, heart disease, and increased risk for some types of cancer. You can become healthier and happier by adding just 30 minutes (for adults) and 60 minutes (for children) of activity to your routine each day. Come check out lots of great activities Seattle Parks and Recreation and many other organizations offer your family to get your daily activity – and have fun doing it!
At Big Day of Play at Magnuson Park, 7400 Sand Point Way NE, there will be plenty of opportunities to learn about what Seattle Parks and Recreation and our community partners offer in the way of fun activities and healthy food:

• Earn PCC ‘Bucks’: Try an activity, earn a ticket, and redeem it for a snack. Collect all five tickets for a complete meal.
• Sports Radio KJR, 950 AM, 102.9 FM, broadcasting live from the park.
• Blitz, the Seahawks’ big blue mascot, will be on hand to pose for photos and help the 12th Man get ready for football season!
• 3 on 3 Youth Basketball.
• Adult Flag Football, sponsored by Admiral Sports.
• Snag Golf for the whole family. Learn more here.
• Boating activities at the North Shore Recreation Area.
• A dog agility course: test your pooch’s skills!
• Demonstration of roller derby in Building 30 – and an opportunity to try it out!
• Mainstage with KING-5 TV’s Jake Whittenberg as Master of Ceremonies.
• Entertainment by NW Drumline and the Mach 1 Jazz Orchestra, which will feed your soul and recall the park’s aviation history.
• Some of Seattle’s favorite food trucks, including Koasamai Thai, Fusion on the Run, Big Food Mobile, Crisp Creperie, Jamba Juice, and Molly Moon Ice Cream (okay, one with sweets).

So round up the family and carpool, take the bus or bicycle the Burke-Gilman Trail to Magnuson Park for a day of fun, information and great activities.

Metro bus routes 30, 74 and 75 serve the park along Sand Point Way N.E. Connect in the University District (Routes 74 and 75) and at Northgate (Route 75). For schedules and route maps, please visit Metro here.

There will be free shuttle bus transportation! Call one of these locations to register for a shuttle ride to Magnuson Park. Seating is limited, so register soon!

High Point Community Center, 6920 34th Ave. SW in West Seattle, 206-684-7422
Rainier Community Center, 4600 38th Ave. S in South Seattle, 206-386-1919
Yesler Community Center, 917 E Yesler Way in Central Seattle, 206-386-1245