With summer in full swing, you can participate in a wide range of fun and healthy outdoor activities in the San Mateo area. July is Park and Recreation Month, and the National Recreation and Park Association hopes to raise awareness of the many benefits of parks.
From community events to wellness opportunities, senior programs, educational presentations and more, parks provide members of the local community with a multitude of summer activities — and a bounty of natural beauty, to boot.
What are some of the many fun activities independent seniors can enjoy this summer at San Mateo’s parks?
Plan a Picnic
What’s more fun than packing some delicious summer treats and heading out to a park with a friend? Among some 200 acres of green space, many of San Mateo’s dozens of parks offer designated areas for picnicking. You can find a picnic space and even reserve your spot online through the City of San Mateo.
Take a Hike or Bike Ride
If you enjoy staying active through walking, hiking, biking or jogging, you’ll find plenty of trails of varying challenge levels throughout the city. For example, Ryder Park includes a two-mile trail that runs to Coyote Point Park, while Seal Point Park offers a one-mile loop and other trails. By taking the stairs or ADA-compliant ramp up to the park’s plateau, you can get a stunning 360-degree view.
Bring Along a Four-Footed Companion
Many of San Mateo’s parks welcome dogs, and several even provide off-leash areas. In some parks, dogs are allowed but must be leashed. If you do bring along your furry friend, you’ll want to review the city’s guidelines, including the need to pick up after your pet; waste bags and garbage cans are provided.
Soak in Natural Beauty
Nature lovers can experience a visual feast in San Mateo’s parks. Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve, for example, is well-known for its stunning wildflower displays in the spring, along with more than 460 acres of grasslands and woodlands. The park offers nature walks every third Saturday at 10 a.m., with docents guiding participants as they observe plants, insects, frogs, butterflies and other wildlife. Registration is not required except for groups of 10 or more.
At Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, you can experience a vibrant — but fragile — community of marine life, including crabs, sponges, fish and mollusks that live in the inter-tidal area off the rocky shore.
Promote Your Holistic Wellness
By getting adequate physical activity, spending time in nature and connecting with others, you take important steps toward maintaining your health and well-being as you age. During Park and Recreation Month, set aside some time to experience the many opportunities in San Mateo’s parks.