From Gibson Woods Nature Preserve in Hammond to Deep River County Park in Hobart to Stoney Run County Park in Hebron, Lake County Parks and Recreation cares for some of the county’s most significant natural and historic locations. Although each of Lake County’s parks offers something different and has its own unique atmosphere, each one benefits visitors’ physical, mental, and emotional health in a variety of ways.
Emily Trisler, communications director at Lake County Parks and Rec, feels that the county’s parks offer a welcoming space where visitors can improve their holistic health.
“It’s important for people to have a place where they can go when the world gets a bit too loud,” Trisler said. “Our parks are accessible to everyone and there’s no added pressure of having to dress a certain way. They’re spaces that invite people to come as they are. Everyone seems to feel that they have to be ‘on’ all of the time these days, but a trip to one of our parks can help quiet things down and let them be in their own head for a while. Even a 10-minute walk along one of our parks’ trails can greatly benefit their mental, physical, and emotional health and well-being.”
Almost all of the county parks affiliated with Lake County Parks and Rec parks are open 365 days a year, and offer a variety of seasonal activities. For instance, during the winter months, Stoney Run County Park and Oak Ridge Prairie both offer ski rentals. The biking and hiking trails at Lake County Parks and Rec’s parks are kept clear of snow, allowing visitors to stay active even during the colder seasons. According to Trisler, anyone can get a good workout at one of Lake County’s parks, whether they’re looking for a challenging mountain bike ride or a casual stroll through the woods…