Laserfiche WebLink
Quality of life/self-esteem/growth/satisfaction <br />It is becoming more common to identify with the activities we <br />participate in, seeing ourselves as"hikers""swimmers"or"soccer <br />players," rather than with the positions we hold at work. Parks <br />and natural environments also have great spiritual meaning <br />and represent a strong sense of place for many of us. They <br />elicit fond memories of family outings, fun times, bonding with <br />children and freedom, representing the less stressful side of our <br />lives. Personal and Spiritual Growth Self-expression and identity <br />affirmation is positively reinforced through participation in <br />recreation activities. Recreation helps us explore our inner <br />spirit and sense of self, creating new behaviors and a new <br />identity (source from file). This is especially important as newer <br />generations feel effects of social media that have resulted in <br />lower self esteem. It makes it to compare ourselves to others' <br />online personas. Recreation activities can help subdue these <br />negative effects as improvements are made on physical abilities <br />and socialization. <br />Recreation activity is important to personal life satisfaction and <br />those who participate in recreation are notably happier. Those <br />who recreate more often are likely to be completely satisfied <br />with their choice of careers, friends, and their perceived success <br />in life. The evidence strongly suggests that participation in <br />outdoor recreation, particularly as a child, leads people to have <br />more satisfying and fulfilling lives. Nine out of ten outdoor <br />recreation participants express satisfaction with their personal <br />health and fitness while the six out of ten who don't participate <br />are unsatisfied with their personal health and fitness (ARC, <br />2000). Close to half of those who participate in recreation several <br />times a week say they are "completely satisfied with the quality <br />of their lives;' compared to just one quarter of nonparticipants <br />(ARC, 2000). The enjoyable experiences pursued directly affect <br />quality of life (Source from file). <br />Parks and recreation services not only promote time spent <br />outside, but create an atmosphere to feel comfortable <br />atmosphere to try things that may be daunting to try on our <br />own. <br />PARK SYSTEM PLAN <br />