Gratitude Practice 2016 Nov 18: Neighborhood Parks

Every time we take Sarah Kate to the park I drive away with gratitude in my heart for both the dedicated play space but also for the city and county resources that are dedicated to ensure our community has clean and safe open spaces. For close to a decade, my office was nestled in the center of Liberty Park and a tiny part of our city that will forever have a giant portion of my heart. I often drive through Sugar House Park to experience the highlights of each changing season and over the years I've identified trees that I consider terrific thought partners. Fitts Park is close to our home and has quickly become one of our new favorites. It's not just the meandering stream that hundreds of ducks consider home or the small, medium and big kid size playground options or the ample collection of swings or the comfortable park benches that all seem to be perfectly shaded by large mature trees.....it's all those things and the constant sound of happy childhood laughter. Every time I'm at this park I love that I hear happy Mommies and Daddies and Grandmas and Grandpas and lots of happy kids and families talking to each other in Spanish and English and Arabic and Burmese and lots of other languages. Lots of happy kids and parents climbing, jumping, sliding, running and making lots of great memories. It is not lost on me that having a safe area to let our children play together is not something all communities are gifted. Grateful for our city and county parks and for all those who work hard and make them great and grateful to live in a community with lots of happy families.