Local Parks Offer So Many Benefits - North County Informador

By Melanie Slone

Zico Scicluna-Smith, 13, loves to ride his e-bike. “I like riding my bike in the park because it’s really nice to get out into nature and get some fresh air,” he says. “It gets me off the phone.”

Zico is one of many North County residents who will celebrate July, National Park & Recreation Month, by enjoying local parks.

Parks help community members connect, get in touch with nature, and protect our natural surroundings, including water, wildlife, and plants. Some provide natural spaces to walk, run, or bike, while others have playgrounds, sports parks, and even camping.

Guillermo Santiago lleva a sus hijos Alejandro, 10, y Briana, 4, al parque todos los días. (Photos: Melanie Slone)

Guillermo Santiago takes his two children to the park every day. “They enjoy nature more because if they’re at home, you can’t get them off their phones. If we go to the playground, they’re playing there. They’re more active. And you don’t spend any money,” he says. “Let them have fun, see nature. There was a falcon over there a while ago, and they were asking all these questions.”

Studies show that children who spend time engaging in physical activities outside do better in school and maintain a healthier weight. “You can go out with your friends, see nature, wildlife. It’s really nice, instead of sitting in your room doing nothing,” explains Zico.

People who visit parks also report feeling more positive about life in general and suffering from less stress. They mention increased creativity and fewer aggressive tendencies.

North County has plenty of free parks for you and your family to explore, including these listed below.

To get to parks in Vista and San Marcos, you can use NCTD+.

Some North County Parks

Escondido

Del Dios Highlands County Preserve

9860 Del Dios Highway, Escondido

Felicita County Park, Escondido

742 Clarence Lane, Escondido

Fallbrook

Fallbrook Sports Park

Ingold Sports Park, 2551 Olive Hill Rd., Fallbrook

Horse Creek Ridge County Park