There is probably no topic that is currently being discussed as intensively as the topic of the environment. Fittingly, the European Day of Parks takes place today, May 24. Where the day comes from and why a park is more than just a place to go for a walk, you can find out below!
Origin of the day
Parks Day has been around since 1999, when the Federation of European Nature and National Parks (EUROPARC) launched the day of action. This is to focus on the preservation of nature and the associated habitats. The work of European nature reserves and their tasks are to receive more attention and more support. The date of May 24 was not chosen by chance: In 1909, the first 9 nature reserves in Europe were founded on this day in Sweden. Today there are more than 300 national parks spread across Europe. Here in Germany we have 16 in number, the three largest being: the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park (441,500 hectares), the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park (345,000 hectares) and the Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft National Park (78,600 hectares).
Sports activities in parks
In addition to the national parks, there are of course the smaller parks in cities, which are a popular destination in the spring and summer months. Visiting a park can be done in very different ways. In addition to the classics such as walking or picnicking, the facilities offer many sporting activities that provide variety and get fit at the same time. The latest trend is slacklining, for example, where a strap is stretched between two trees (or other anchoring points) and you try to balance on it. What seems impossible at first quickly becomes easier and can be a lot of fun. Or grab some friends and you can spend the day playing various ball sports, like soccer and volleyball, or throwing a soccer back and forth. If you want to improve your endurance, lace up your running shoes and go for a jog. Tip: In pairs or in a group it's even more fun and you'll manage a few more kilometers at once. Under a blue sky and in the fresh air it is also much more pleasant than on the treadmill in the gym. Increasingly, you'll find groups in parks working out together on various strength exercises. Join them and meet new people who share the same hobby. After exercising, you still have time to lie in the grass and soak up some sun. The ice cream also tastes much better after a sporty session.
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Editorial fitnessmarkt.de (NJ)
Image credit: #158394858 baranq AdobeStock
Published on: 24 May 2019