Get Active in Somerset County Parks with "Passport To Parks"
GET ACTIVE WITH THE “PASSPORT TO PARKS” CHALLENGE
Written by Jennifer Korneski, Somerset County 4-H Healthy Living Program Coordinator.
Living an active lifestyle and getting regular physical activity plays an important role in our quality of life leading to positive impact on many components of health. It can help manage weight and chronic health conditions, reduce risk of chronic diseases, strengthen bones and muscles, support healthy sleep patterns, improve cognition, reduce stress, improve mood, inspire connection with nature, as well as provide social engagement opportunities through sports, leisure activities and community events.
Lack of physical activity is a major health issue across the country. According to Healthy People 2030, only 1 in 4 adults and 1 in 5 adolescents in the United States meet the physical activity guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities. The recommendation is 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity, and two days of muscle-strengthening per week.
In Somerset County, 17.9% of adults surveyed by the Healthier Somerset reported no physical activity during leisure time. To encourage the Somerset County community to move more, Healthier Somerset recently launched the PASSPORT TO PARKS Challenge for anyone who lives, works or plays in Somerset County.
Somerset County has beautiful parks with many opportunities for everyone to explore nature while being physically active. Horticulture programs, horseback riding, golf, therapeutic recreation, biking, hiking and walking trails, water activities such as kayaking, fishing, paddleboats, and sport fields and courts are offered. Bring your leashed dogs for some fun in the sun too. Check the park commission website for leash-free locations with dog runs.
Parks in the challenge include:
Colonial Park, Somerset
Known for its beautiful public gardens, scenic duck pond, dog park, mini golf course, and the Spooky Brook Golf course.
Duke Island Park, Bridgewater
Prime location for scenic walking trails, river fishing, summer concerts, and family picnics.
East County Park, Warren
Features paved and unpaved walking trails winding through tranquil meadows and woodlots, perfect for a peaceful stroll.
Natirar, Peapack
Historic estate offering expansive, rolling lawns and scenic trails along the North Branch of the Raritan River, making it a favorite for hikers and runners.
North Branch Park, Bridgewater
Home headquarters for the Park Commission and the annual Somerset County 4-H Fair, this park features a playground, sport fields, and fields for flying model airplanes.
Skillman Park, Skillman
Features a paved 2.25 multi-use loop trail that gently winds through historic landscapes.
Sourland Mountain Preserve, Hillsborough
An expansive, rugged natural area renowned for its dense forests, dramatic boulder fields, and challenging hiking and mountain biking trails. It is a perfect location for bird watching.
Participants who visit at least five of the seven parks listed, complete a program survey, and submit photos from each location to mbalbiani@gscymca.org by midnight on October 12, will earn the chance to win a FREE 3-month membership to the Greater Somerset YMCA.
Passport To Parks Digital Passport
Passport To Parks Printable Passport
For additional information on ways to stay active and sample exercises you can do at the parks, follow Somerset County Rutgers Cooperative Extension Family Community & Health Sciences on social media @SCNJFCHS.
Visit the Somerset County Parks Commission website for details on all park locations. Get active, play, and discover Somerset County Parks this Fall!
SOURCES
“Benefits of Physical Activity”. Centers for Disease Control. https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/benefits/index.html.
Healthier Somerset
https://healthiersomerset.org/
“Healthy People 2030 – Physical Activity”. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. https://odphp.health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/physical-activity.
Somerset County Park Commission
https://www.somersetcountyparks.org/