Trade in Technology for Turf

Outdoor Recreation

By Becky Roberg

Community Relations Specialist

“I’m bored.” Parents can count on hearing those two words at least once day. In fact, sometimes they seem like every child’s favorite words. Most of us can remember uttering them when we were young too, and most of us can remember our parent’s response – “Go outside and play.”

It’s a simple solution, yet research studies show that children are spending half as much time outside as they did 20 years ago. It is estimated that children spend 6.5 hours a day ‘playing’ or watching electronic media.

Why? - There are countless reasons. Parents fear strangers, allergies, insect bites & stings. Some children don’t have access to outside playgrounds or a way to get to them. Flashy graphics on video games and the mainstream media lure children to sedentary inside ‘play.’ The list goes on.

It’s time to reverse the trend. The Montrose Recreation District fills its summer months with countless outdoor programs that range from wilderness expeditions to disc golf. It is a priority that every child in Montrose has access to our programs and facilities. The right to experience the wonder, discovery and joy of playing outside is theirs. All parents need to do is convince their children to trade in the technology for turf.

The Summer 2008 Activity Guide came out in early May bursting at the seams with activities such as Baseball & Softball, Disc Golf, Outdoor Adventure Club, Mountain Biking and countless Introductory Clinics for children. These programs are designed to capture your child’s attention, inspire them to learn something new, practice their skills and have fun being outside.

However, the Montrose Recreation District also understands the value of unstructured play. Through an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Montrose, MRD was able to help create expansive multipurpose fields – Cerise Park. In addition to the various sporting events MRD schedules, the park is ready for whatever a child’s imagination can throw at it. Perhaps this week it will be the stage for an old west showdown and next week a sea full of ancient creatures. The best part of these majestic transformations – they’re free!

Besides enhancing imaginations, playing outside has other unique benefits for children. Those who play outside are more active and physically fit. It has also been shown that spending time in nature improves academic performance, concentration, balance, coordination and self esteem. Recently, playing outside has been linked to treating ADHD.

It seems parents really do know best. So the next time you hear “I’m bored” use the best response – “Go outside and play.” MRD hopes you might even go play with them.

Questions? Contact Becky Roberg, Community Relations Specialist, 249-7831 x18, broberg@montrose.net.