Spending time in nature is good for body and soul, and we are fortunate in Louisville to have the Olmsted Park System that makes green space so accessible! Read on for five ideas for starting the New Year right and making 2026 a wonderful year in the parks.
- Try forest bathing: Olmsted Parks Conservancy Park Steward Teri Carr leads forest bathing sessions in the parks, and offers a few simple steps to follow if you want to try forest bathing on your own:
- Look closely at colors, shapes and textures
- Listen intently
- Tree breathe: visualize the exchange of carbon and oxygen between your body and a tree
- Smell deeply
- Gratitude meditation: give intentional thanks to yourself and to nature
- Find a sit spot: use your spot as a regular anchor place where you can connect to nature.
Teri Carr leads a forest bathing session in Shawnee Park
- Find a favorite walking path that entices you to walk regularly! Getting your steps in is a gentle way to boost fitness.
- For a more intense workout, challenge yourself to the Iroquois Park North Overlook Stairs! You’ll climb 180 stairs and not only get a workout, but also a panoramic view at the top.
- Learn the game of tennis! Olmsted Parks Conservancy and Louisville Parks and Recreation recently completed the Chicksaw Park Tennis Court Restoration, and West Louisville Tennis Club is excited to welcome members.
West Louisville Tennis Club - Volunteer with us! When you work in the parks, you will meet like-minded folks who enjoy protecting the environment and making Louisville a great place to live. You will also learn about the ecosystems and habitats that make our park system essential green infrastructure.
Find something similar: Cherokee Park Iroquois Park Shawnee Park
