It’s the start of a new year! If time were a trail, we’d all be at mile marker 2025.0. As you look to the journey ahead, maybe you’ve set some resolutions to guide you forward? If spending more time in nature is on your list—a great choice, from our perspective!—we have some mini-resolutions to help you stick to your goals and have fun along the way.

1) Join a community event.

At The Parklands, we have a wide variety of events scheduled throughout the year that bring people from our community together. Join The Parklands Walking Club for twice-monthly hikes led by our Rangers (once a month in colder seasons), attend an educational event or workshop like our upcoming Track and Sign Evaluation and Training, or come out for our annual 5K (sign-ups open soon)! Our events are a great way to connect with other nature lovers! Learn more about our upcoming programs at theparklands.org/events.

2) Plan a fun family outing.

From family hikes to picnics to fun educational programs, there are countless ways to spend more quality time with your family this year at The Parklands.

Mark your calendar for family-friendly events like Junior Explorer, Wednesday Wonders, and seasonal StoryWalks like this one! Hike a new trail together, maybe one from this list of trails that are great for kids, or enjoy an afternoon of laughter and building memories at one of our playgrounds, spraygrounds, or lawns.

For more ways to have fun with your family at our parks, like engaging your kids in picking out a favorite tree, read this 2023 blog article from our Education Team.

3) Visit a new park.

Even if you have a favorite park, you might enjoy checking out a different one! You could think of it like cherishing an old acquaintance while embracing the new.

The Parklands is made up of four unique parks along Floyds Fork. These include Beckley Creek Park, Pope Lick Park, Turkey Run Park, and Broad Run Park, along with a middle section that connects the north and southern portions called The Strand. Learn more and view interactive maps by visiting theparklands.org/find-a-park.

4) Try a new trail.

Whether you prefer to walk on a dirt or paved surface, or like to bike one or 10+ miles, your next adventure awaits at The Parklands. We have trails for all ages and abilities. For suggestions on hiking trails to try this season, read our recent blog article about fall and winter hiking. View all of our trails at theparklands.org/trails.

5) Grow your curiosity. 

Try a new hobby or indulge in a pastime you already love at The Parklands! Are you someone who appreciates seeing birds swooping, singing, hunting, and foraging in nature? You might choose a nice day to see which species you can identify in our parks. If you’re new to birding, read our recent blog article for tips on how to get started on your journey.

If you’re into gardening and happen to come across a plant or tree that interests you, take note of the shape and leaves so that you can discover more about it.

Perhaps you’ve seen an animal print on a hike and wondered about what it might be? In March, you can learn more about wildlife tracking with renowned naturalist Marcus Reynerson at our Wildlife Track and Sign Evaluation and Training! Get information on the two-day course and register here.

No matter which hobby you choose, The Parklands offers the perfect setting to nurture your curiosity and discover something new in nature every day.

6) Find creative inspiration.

This year, let The Parklands be your muse as you explore new ways to express yourself and connect with the world around you. Capture the moment in a photograph (and don’t forget to share it with us!) or try your hand at plein air painting.

As you stroll along the Poetry Trail in Beckley Creek Park, let the words of poets from the past and present spark your own creative inspiration. If you love reading and writing, you might look into our “Writing in Nature” class on March 8. Get information and register here.

7) Go on a picnic.

Savor the outdoor air with some friends and a menu of your making. Maybe go with a fun theme. Each of our parks has its own designated picnic areas located at limestone gorges, lakeside overlooks, or sunlit hillsides. No matter what type of picnic you’re planning, we’ve got the spot for you. To learn more about picnic locations at The Parklands or reserve one of our rentable picnic shelters, visit our website.

8) Log some serene time.

Pick a quiet spot in our park to admire the scenery, read a book, or just be. During the warmer months, at places like Seaton Valley in Turkey Run Park, enjoy the unrehearsed dance of butterflies fluttering about. If you’re taking a stroll on a trail along Floyds Fork, pause to listen to the soothing sounds of water. Step away from the chaos of everyday life and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.

The Parklands is the perfect place to help you reach your goals in 2025, whether you’re setting resolutions or simply looking to make the most of the year ahead. With endless opportunities to get outside, learn new things, and spark your creativity, our parks are here to support your personal growth and outdoor adventures. Make this year the one where you truly connect with nature and achieve your goals—big or small—at The Parklands.

As you set out to explore wonders of nature at our parks, we encourage you to become familiar with our park rules, which are set up to help ensure a safe, clean, fun and beautiful visitor experience and to protect countless species of birds and mammals and native plants. You can find these rules and guidelines for your enjoyment and safety at theparklands.org/park-safety.

Help us deliver world-class experiences to visitors by donating and becoming a member. Join now or renew your membership!