This month, Eugene Recreation is celebrating the many surprising benefits of recreation! And, we want to know: why do you love recreation? If you tell us, you’ll be entered in a drawing for a valuable prize!
You might love recreation because it helps you be more fit. Or, because it teaches you something new. Maybe you like meeting new people through recreation. And then there are the environmental benefits – breathing fresh air and just being in nature.
You might expect recreation to provide those benefits, but, did you know recreation activities can strengthen family ties and social bonds? According to a study by the State of California,“Social bonds are improved when families recreate together and when seniors and individuals with disabilities are actively engaged in recreation activities”. (1)
This summer, Eugene Recreation is presenting many family activities, including evening sails, park walks, and blackberry floats; and community events such as a neighborhood block party at Echo Hollow Pool, an ice cream social at Campbell Center, and concerts or movies in the parks throughout Eugene. Just the sorts of activities that the study found, “unite families, encourage social sensitivity and support seniors and individuals with disabilities.”
During July, we’ll be sharing lots of information about the surprising benefits of recreation. Watch for these tidbits in Community Centers and Pools, on our Facebook pages, Twitter, and here, on the website. So that you don’t miss a single detail, friend one of our Facebook pages, follow us on Twitter @EugRec and bookmark Rec’s homepage! “Stay connected” by signing up on the website to get email or text messages from Recreation.
You can tell us why you love recreation in two ways: Post your answer on one of our Facebook pages. (on Facebook, search "City of Eugene"), Include a story or a photo, if you like. Or, you can fill out one of the “I Love Recreation” handbills available at any Community Center or Pool. Either way, be sure to include your name so you can be entered in the drawing for a $50 Recreation gift card! The winning entry will be drawn July 29.
Why DO you love recreation?
(1) The Health and Social Benefits of Recreation, State of California Resources Agency