Isaac and Esther ran around the paths by the spring. Jan and Barb sat on a bench talking. Kevin, Kyle, Kelly, and Kory used their geo-caching app to find the treasure spot. Andrew helped Von “climb” a tree. Peter and Judith identified toad lily, marsh marigold, bellwort, and spring beauty blossoms as we wandered the grounds of Spring Grove Park.
The year was 2013, and Creation Care Ministry challenged our members to visit as many of the Ottawa County Parks as possible over the summer and fall. Spring Grove was one of the group walks the team organized, but all through the summer families took selfies at the parks they visited to post on the bulletin board. It was such a fun challenge that we would like to do it again!
Getting outdoors is essential for our mental health. It helps our brains de-stress and improves our moods. Filling our lungs deeply with fresh air and walking through woods listening to birdsong has a restorative effect on our whole body. And doing so with others gives us a chance to connect and build relationships with each other.
Getting out in nature is good for the earth, too. When we encounter the wonders of creation, we come to love it, and that love means we care about what happens to it and work to protect it.
So… get ready… get set… go for Parks Challenge 2025! Everything you need to know is on this website. The county has a guide with a list of the parks and a map showing their locations, a bucket list to check off as you visit, and even a chance to win a prize.
Creation Care will organize a few group walks at some specific parks. Then next fall we will have an end-of-season celebration to recognize members who visited the most parks. Meanwhile, take those selfies and send them to the office for inclusion on the bulletin board.
Get your sneakers out, and we’ll see you on the trails!
Photo of North Ottawa Beach/Dunes Park by Judith Boogaart