Local Group Seeks Input from Residents on Accessing Parks

Local Group Seeks Input from Residents on Accessing Parks
Feedback received will help priorities “safe routes to parks” efforts in the near future.

[Winnebago County, WI] July 11, 2017-- July is here, which means it’s time to “Get Your Play On” by celebrating National Park and Recreation Month with re:TH!NK, Winnebago County’s Healthy Living Partnership.

With over 140 public parks in Winnebago County, re:TH!NK recognizes that our public parks, and other recreational areas like pools and trails, have the power to transform our daily lives. Parks and recreation facilities provide places to play and stay healthy as well as connect people to nature and to each other. Research shows, people who live within a 10-minute walk of a park or recreation area get nearly 50% more physical activity than people who live farther away. People who are unable to walk, ride a bike, or use transit to get to parks are deprived of the opportunity to engage in two instances of physical activity—walking/wheeling to the park site and participating in activities at the site.

July is Park and Recreation Month, which means it’s a great time to celebrate the great parks we have here,” said Steve Herman, Deputy Mayor of the Oshkosh City Council. “I encourage all citizens to go out and enjoy the multiple park and recreation opportunities in Oshkosh and throughout Winnebago County.”

re:TH!NK is looking to ensure that everyone has safe access to their community’s public parks and recreation areas, which is why we are working with local municipalities, and others, to gather information on the opportunities and obstacles Winnebago County community members encounter while traveling to their local parks and recreation areas.

“We want to encourage people to visit their local parks and enjoy the many benefits they have to offer,” said Amanda Geiser, Parks and Recreation Director for the Village of Fox Crossing. “However, we also want to make sure that people are able to get to the parks, which is why it’s important we hear from community members on how they are currently traveling to parks and what may make it easier and safer for them to get there.”

The Safe Routes to Parks survey will remain open through the end of July. For more information on the survey or to provide input, visit www.rethinkwinnebago.org.