This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Nov. 14, 2011 - At the recent American Public Health Association conference in Washington, D.C., the theme was "Healthy Communities Promote Healthy Minds & Bodies." While attending this conference, I heard about steep cuts facing St. Louis County parks. This is a short-sighted economic move that is not in the best interest of the citizens of St. Louis County.
Parks, an asset to all in the community, truly do promote healthy minds and bodies. This sentiment is represented in the mission of the parks department to "provide high quality parks, facilities and recreation services that enhance residents' lives." As evidence continues to point to the need for increased physical activity and time outdoors to fight obesity and stress, how can closing more than 3,500 acres of county park land be life-enhancing to residents of St. Louis County?
I empathize with the county and Executive Charley Dooley. These are difficult economic times and hard decisions must be made as to where to cut. Families face these decisions just as the county does. In fact, one decision my family recently made was to not join a gym, but instead use the great parks around us. We met friends at Creve Coeur Lake, kayaked and had lunch. We hiked at Queeny Park with our dog. We look forward to taking our Thanksgiving guests to these and other nearby gems/gyms.
Parks provide a wonderful resource for recreation, stress reduction and socializing. Many studies have found that living near and using parks increases physical activity and reduces obesity. These results are especially true for youth and children. More than 31 percent of Missouri children are considered obese or overweight. Childhood obesity, unchecked, can be a precursor for adult heart disease and diabetes.
Greensfelder Park, one of those on the list to close, has more than 24 miles of trails on which families can hike, jog or ride bikes. Another, the St. Vincent Park Community Center, in the Normandy School District, offers an affordable recreation center where youth and adults can exercise, play basketball, and host birthday parties and community meetings. These are affordable, healthy options for families.
Visiting parks and open space can also help people restore from daily stress and socialize with family and friends.
A walk in the woods, a picnic and being near nature and animals have all been shown to reduce stress. Taking a hike and lying on a blanket in a field allows people to get away from daily stress and become fascinated by their surroundings. Lone Elk is a great park to explore and truly be away from the bustle of the city, work and school. The Farm at Suson Park is a wonderful place for families to interact with animals, which has also been shown to reduce stress. The majority of the parks, including the swimming pools and recreation centers, also offer a variety of ways for youth, adults and families to socialize and play together.
Economic recessions and winter are two inopportune times to close parks. When finances become tight, families look to cut back, with entertainment one of the first costs to be reduced. Families look for nearby, cheap attractions to have fun, be together, and recreate. St. Louis County parks answer this call. Winter also represents a season of high stress with short days, cold weather and holiday stress. Putting on a warm jacket and going to the park for a hike or one of the several hayrides offers a break from this stress and a chance to be outdoors and with others.
I respect the difficult choices ahead, but St. Louis County parks offer too much benefit to our families to be on the cutting block this fall. Perhaps all those involved in making these decisions need to enjoy a hike this weekend and reconsider their proposal.
J. Aaron Hipp is an environmental health expert and assistant professor at the Brown School at Washington University.