One of our core values here at PLAY Roanoke is to support the health and well-being of Roanokers. From our wide selection of programs to the plentiful parks and public spaces we look after, the well-being of our community is always top of mind. With a brand new year ahead, we’ve got some ideas for how you can incorporate parks & recreation in your wellness routine for 2022.
TAKING ADVANTAGE OF PARKS
First, the start to a successful wellness routine is simply to have one at all. Finding a practice that will enhance your life can be as simple as riding your bike on the greenway, eating your lunch in a park, or practicing meditation in a garden. Our parks, trails, plazas and greenways are the perfect location to practice wellness in a wide variety of ways. Here are some simple ideas for utilizing our parks and public spaces:
- Play music at the interactive installations at Countryside Park
- Commune with nature at Carvins Cove
- Explore the Art Walk at Vic Thomas Park
- Sample the fitness stations in Washington Park
ENGAGING IN RECREATION PROGRAMS
Looking to enhance your current wellness routine? Look no further than our Community Recreation programs where you can find yoga, meditation, dance, healthy cooking, gardening, music and more! Or, if you’re itching to get more active in the outdoors but aren’t sure where to start, our Outdoor Recreation programs are the perfect adventure! Here’s some upcoming programs for wellness in 2022:
- Experience Tibetan Singing Bowls with our Sound Bowl Meditation Class
- Grab a friend for a Partner Yoga Class
- Plan your Spring Garden with the guidance of a Master Gardener
- Ride on the Blackwater Creek Bike Trails, and learn how to take care of your bike
- Join a history hike, a waterfall hike or a hike with an overlook
JOINING A COMMUNITY
Sometimes it helps to have a community to encourage you along your wellness journey. The Roanoke 100 Miler is the perfect way to kick-start your wellness with a built-in support system! Hundreds of Roanokers participate in the 100 Miler each year, with the goal of completing 100 miles in 100 days. You can hike, bike, run, skate, etc. your way to 100 miles or complete 30 minutes of activity in place of one mile. However you choose to participate, you know you’ll have a community working towards the same goal right beside you.
Another great way to enhance your social and emotional well-being in 2022 is through PLAY Quest. This interactive group game offers a set of missions for teams to complete, ranging from outdoor activities (hiking, biking, etc.), to silly challenges (doing a funny dance), to the creative (writing a love letter to a park). PLAY Quest is the ultimate winter wellness program!
However you choose to practice wellness this year, we hope you’ll take advantage of Roanoke Parks and Recreation. See our full catalog of program options and explore our parks page to find the facilities near you.
