Downtown Houston City Park

A Shady Place To Rest

Of course nothing is wrong with doing the traditional activities. I relax underneath the shade of 100-year-old oak trees, where plenty of benches provide places to read.

Not that you’d want to spend too much time sitting still--there’s too much to see and do here. In addition to the park’s interactive amenities, art is staggered throughout the grounds.

If you visit on a Thursday, you can check out the farmers market. The Grove, Discovery Green’s upscale restaurant, fills its menu with market produce and herbs grown in the restaurant’s garden.

Who knew a park could be so much fun? At this green, it’s there for your discovery.

Discovery Green: The park is open 6 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. For more information visit www.discoverygreen.com, or call (713) 400-7336.

10 Ways To Hit The Park
1. Make it a family outing. What better way to enjoy a weekend than spending an afternoon with the kids at the park? Check ahead to find out if park equipment and activities are age-appropriate.
2. Put on your running (or walking) shoes. Many parks have trails for running and walking. A walk in nature can be good for the body and mind.
3. Take a workday break. Visit your local park during lunchtime. Packing a healthful lunch can save you money and calories.
4. Enjoy concerts. Many public parks host free or low-cost concerts, a fun way to check out local or regional artists.
5. Pick up rackets or bounce balls. Check into the availability of tennis or basketball courts. If you don’t have the equipment, borrow from your park.
6.Try something new. Consult local listings for classes. Parks are great places to learn how to exercise, dance, or garden.
7. Connect with your neighbors. Parks help build communities--a visit to a park may provide an opportunity to meet a new friend.
8. Shop for locally grown food. Some parks offer regular farmers markets, where you can purchase freshly harvested, local food--good for you and for the local economy.
9. Read. Expand your mind with a new book, and enjoy it with your toes in the grass.
10.Get involved. Have an idea for how your local park could better serve you? Call your parks and recreation board with the suggestion. Better yet, consider volunteering your time to work hand in hand with park officials.

Healthy Benefits

• Evidence shows that when people have access to public parks, they exercise more.
• Contact with the natural world can improve physical and psychological health.
• Parks provide an opportunity for social engagement, which can contribute to longevity.