National Hop-a-Park Day is on July 7th. We invite you to spend it exploring Gage County. We have so many beautiful outdoor spaces where residents can go for a walk, ride their bike, have a picnic or throw the ball around with their kids. These parks, trails and meetings spots have a special place in our history and in the memories of those who call our area home. Still, we find that they are often underutilized. Here are a few additional reasons to grab your hat and spend time outdoors July 7th and every day of the year:

#1 You can prevent disease

According to research coming out of Harvard, spending time outdoors will increase your vitamin D levels. By doing so regularly, you could lower your risk of developing cancer, osteoporosis, and having a stroke.

#2 This is a fun way to exercise

If spending time at the gym does not sound very exciting, aim for an outdoor workout instead. Going for a run, playing ball, swimming, and hiking can all be excellent forms of exercise and a lot of fun at the same time.

#3 Spending time outdoors can improve your focus

Studies have found that children who spend time outdoors are able to focus better in the classroom. Researchers at the University of Michigan found that even a short walk in the woods can increase concentration by 20 percent.

Where to Go in Gage County

Fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities to spend time outside in Gage County. Here are just a few of the parks, trails, and outdoor spaces to visit this weekend:

• Grab a ball and head to the Beatrice Sports Complex

• Adams City Park

• Johnson Cabin Museum and park

• Homestead Trail

• Visit historic Filley barn

• Beatrice parks

• Hiking and biking trails

• Big Blue Water Park

• Rockford Lake

• Golfing at the Beatrice Country Club or Hidden Acres

To learn more about the many outdoor recreation opportunities available in Gage County, click here.

References

https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/a-prescription-for-better-health-go-alfresco

http://www.businessinsider.com/why-spending-more-time-outside-is-healthy-2017-7#walking-in-nature-could-improve-your-short-term-memory-1

http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2008.02225.x