Virginia: Park Authority creates Top Ten resolutions

Parks & Recreation, March, 2006 by Melissa Lothrop

Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority recently created 10 New Year's resolutions to encourage residents to use the area parks. The Top Ten could be applied to any agency, and provides the community with ten ideas to help keep those resolutions that sometimes are broken after only a few weeks. Use these ideas in your own community:

1. The most common New Year's resolution is to lose unwanted pounds. A great way to manage your weight is to run, walk, skate or bike. Find a trail and get active while you enjoy nature.

2. A wonderful resolution is to spend more time with family. Try one of your community waterparks or spraygrounds and you'll find fun for the whole family.

3. Start a new hobby for the New Year. Why not take up golf?. Find an 18-hole course in the area and take advantage of lessons, full pro shop facilities, practice greens and driving ranges. Annual memberships also allow you to keep your resolution all year long.

4. If getting smarter is your goal in 2006, let your local parks teach you a history lesson! Visit historical sites, take a guided tour, explore somewhere new.

5. A great way to ring in the new year is by planning a party and vowing to celebrate special occasions in the coming year. Your recreation center may own or operate reception halls, meeting rooms, picnic shelters and facilities.

6. Many vow to have more fun and enjoy themselves more in the upcoming year. For real family fun, try playing a round of miniature golf at a neighborhood course. Challenging and fun courses could be just the thing you need to feel like a kid again.

7. Along with losing weight, another common resolution is to simply get more exercise. Visit an area pool and swim your way to a fit 2006!

8. Maybe you're headed back to nature in 2006 and resolve to appreciate the great outdoors. Visit a nature center and learn about your community's great natural resources. Or, if you prefer nature in bloom, stroll along blooming pathways at a local garden or arboretum.

9. How about resolving to plan a vacation in 2006? Why not try roughing it on a fun camping vacation? Find a campground where you can pitch a tent or drive in your RV.

10. If you're planning a nautical new year, chances are your community recreation department operates boat launches at many locations around the area. Or combine fitness with your wet and wild resolution and try kayaking or canoeing.

Melissa Lothrop, CPRP