Join the celebration and find your fun

HONOLULU (KHON2) — National Walk to a Park Day is being celebrated on Thursday, Oct. 10. It’s a celebration that encourages everyone to stroll to their local parks.

Feel the breeze on your face, enjoy the (somewhat) autumn weather, chat with neighbors, play with your kids and appreciate the many benefits that green spaces bring to our communities.

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Public parks and green spaces serve as a community’s backyard, providing nearby residents with places to play, connect and enjoy the outdoors.

Parks play a vital role in enhancing public health by offering spaces for recreation, exercise and a chance to connect with nature. They help build strong, equitable communities and also help us to come closer to the effects of climate change.

However, 100 million people, including 28 million children, lack access to a quality park within a 10-minute walk from home.

But on O ʻ ahu, that’s a different story.

There are many wonderful community parks and dog parks where people can enjoy this day all over O ʻ ahu.

Community parks offer a variety of activities, including playgrounds, sports fields and picnic areas. Some popular parks include Kapiʻolani Park, which has beautiful views of Lē ʻ ahi (Diamond Head), and Ala Moana Beach Park, where you can enjoy the beach and picnic spots.

These parks are perfect for spending quality time with family or having fun with friends, but there are so many more dotted in most neighborhoods.

For dog lovers, O ʻ ahu has fantastic dog parks like the Kaka‘ako Dog Park and Ala Moana Regional Park. These parks provide safe spaces for dogs to run freely, socialize and play with other dogs.

They often have separate areas for small and large dogs, making it safe for everyone. Dog parks help our furry friends get the exercise they need and allow owners to connect with fellow dog lovers.

Finding parks on O ʻ ahu is easy! You can visit the City and County of Honolulu’s website , which lists all the parks on the island. The site provides maps and details about the facilities available at each park. You can also ask your friends or neighbors about their favorite parks.

National Walk to a Park Day is not just a celebration of green spaces; it’s also a call to action for cities to make sure that everyone in the U.S. can access a quality park within a 10-minute walk from their home.

On this national day, take a walk to your local park and inspire your community to advocate for more public parks and green spaces!

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So, make that move and celebrate National Walk to a Park Day by enjoying all the wonderful outdoor spaces O ʻ ahu has to offer. It’s a perfect opportunity to get active, have fun, and appreciate nature!

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