Have you ever noticed how you just feel better after spending time outdoors? Experience these benefits yourself during Restore in the Outdoors, a program series offered through Oakland County Parks (OCP) that takes a holistic approach to well-being by emphasizing physical fitness, mental health, social connectivity and, fun.
OCP’s DEI and Community Engagement Officer, Zach Zuchowicz, said the element of fun shouldn’t be overlooked when planning health and fitness goals. Jumping on inflatables, going fishing, trying rock climbing and connecting with new friends can keep you physically challenged and mentally healthy.
Restore in the Outdoors is inspired by the National Recreation and Park Association’s seven dimensions of well-being: Cultural, economic, environmental, intellectual, mental, physical and social. To touch on all these dimensions, Restore in the Outdoors has expanded to a series of free or low-cost health and wellness programs in communities across Oakland County.
Ongoing Programs
First up is Yoga and Tai Chi, popular monthly programs hosted at the Oakland County Farmers Market. Join Studio 8 staff for relaxing yoga and Tai Chi sessions on Saturday mornings or a Thursday Yoga Lunchtime session. View details about these free, drop-in sessions on the Yoga and Tai Chi Fitness Flyer.
Make sure to leave time for shopping at the market. Vendors offer all kinds of choices whether you’re looking for fresh produce, flowers or a little treat to indulge your sweet tooth. Plus, when you use a SNAP Bridge Card to shop for fruits and vegetables at the Oakland County Farmers Market, the amount of money you spend is matched with Double Up Food Bucks up to $20 per day.
Taking care of children? Connect with other parents, grandparents, caregivers and nannies while children enjoy an hour of activities with their peers at Early Childhood Hour Out (ECHO). This is a weekly drop-in event from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Thursdays at Wint Nature Center, featuring tea, coffee and snacks for the adults.
One-time Opportunities
Next on the Restore in the Outdoors schedule is a Fishing Derby at Independence Oaks County Park from 9-11 a.m. June 8. Join in on a light-hearted competition to reel in the longest fish while enjoying the lakeshore views from our fishing docks. Since the Fishing Derby is held during Michigan’s Free Fishing weekend, you can make a day of it by hanging out longer and fishing without a license. Check out the Fishing Derby Flyer for event details and registration information.
Find Your Fit is a co-led event presented by Oak Park Recreation and OCP from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 14, on the Oak Park Community Center lawn. There will be plenty of activities for all ages and abilities, including rock climbing, fitness programming, inflatables and more. The event will also feature naturalist-led hikes, a conversational nature table and rock painting. No registration required; view event information for more details.
Cooler weather ushers in opportunities to explore nature outdoors after the sun sets during a Hunter’s Moon Hike from 7-8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Wint Nature Center within Independence Oaks County Park. For those seeking to embrace the spirit of autumn and connect with others, join in on the Autumn Appreciation Drum Circle from 2-3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8 at Red Oaks Nature Center in Madison Heights.
Of course, you’re always welcome to explore the parks on your own. OCP offers free park entry for Oakland County residents and nearly 100 miles of trails perfect for walking, running, jogging, walking your dog, biking and more. Find a quiet spot to sketch what you see, play with your children or grandchildren at a playground, or write your thoughts in a journal.
Parks open 30 minutes before sunrise and close 30 minutes after sunset, or as posted at the park. For more information on OCP’s trails and parks, including trail accessibility details, as well as upcoming Wellness in the Parks and other programming, visit OaklandCountyParks.com.
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