As the capital of Ohio, Columbus has lots to offer, which is evident since it’s been named a Top 10 Best Big City in the US, amongst other accolades. So if you live here, count yourself lucky, as it’s one of the best places to be!
However, as you age, you might find yourself less able to participate in the things you used to love doing. As a result, you have to adapt and find safe outdoor recreation for seniors instead.
A great place to stay active in Columbus is Mill Race Park. Read on to see what you can do when you visit this park.
About Mill Race Park
Mill Race Park is a top 100 park that stretches across 85 acres. This riverfront park is recognized for its design, reputation, and accessibility, which should be music to your ears if you have issues with mobility. It’s one of the most senior-friendly parks available!
Its new and improved design was thought up in 1984 by Michael Van Valkenburg, who’s an American landscape architect and educator. He’s renowned for his work on a vast number of projects across various continents, so Mill Race Park truly is a treat to see. He worked with Stanley Saitowitz, and you’ll see structures made by him all over the park.
Participate in Fitness Classes at Mill Race Center
Inside Mill Race Park is Mill Race Center, which is a community hub dedicated to adults over 50. This means that they especially cater to people like you!
Here, you’ll find a range of fitness programs that can enhance your physical health and flexibility. Classes include:
- Yoga
- Cardio pump
- Line dancing
When you engage in these activities, you’ll keep up your mobility and overall well-being. Plus, you might meet some other older adults and make good friends. As a result, you’ll have a better quality of life, especially since the social aspect is taken care of.
Do note that there’s a membership fee, but it’s just $80 for an entire year.
Stay Active With Sports
It’s important for seniors to stay fit with adequate physical activity. So, if you’re still able-bodied, Mill Race Park is an excellent place to get your blood pumping and strengthen your body.
This park has basketball courts where you can shoot hoops casually or get into some friendly competition. For something more relaxed, there are also horseshoe pits where you can throw horseshoes while socializing with friends.
Whichever activities you choose, they’ll enrich your everyday life and keep things interesting.
Join Social and Recreational Groups
Do you want to focus on the social aspect of things? Senior loneliness is a very real issue, and the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging (NPHA) found that 34% of adults aged 50-80 felt isolated from others. This can lead to declining health, so it’s essential that you nurture your social life.
A great way to do this is to join the social and recreational groups at the Mill Race Center. You can participate in:
- Art classes
- Crafting sessions
- Billiards
- Card games (such as bridge and euchre)
Not only can you share interests and build friendships, but you can also develop new skills or maintain existing ones.
Enjoy Scenic Walking Trails
Mill Race Park has some of the nicest walking trails in Indiana. The People Trails spans over 20 miles and not only can you walk on them, but you can bike too.
They include the 1821 Trail and the Riverfront Trail, as well as a few other shared-use paths. These will allow you to enjoy nature and wellness in this park.
Go Up in the Observation Tower
Within Mill Race Park is an 84-foot-tall observation tower. It can be difficult to go up if you have mobility issues, but you can always take your time.
Once you get to the top, you’ll get a stunning bird’s-eye view of downtown Columbus. In addition, you’ll see the water and bridges, meaning you’ll have outstanding picture opportunities.
Do note that it’s open daily from 8:00 am until dusk, so you won’t be able to go up after dark.
Attend Community Events and Festivals
If you like concerts and performances, then you’ll want to visit the amphitheater in the park. It hosts the city’s largest outdoor events, so you won’t be disappointed.
The amphitheater itself is an architectural wonder. It’s earthen, and the design is inspired by Native American earthworks found in the Ohio River Valley.
Whether it’s a live music performance or a cultural festival, there will be plenty of opportunities to engage with the broader community.
Go Fishing
In Mill Race Park are two lakes, and you can fish at both of them. You can set up shop along the sandbars with comfortable chairs and then spend a lazy afternoon fishing.
You should know that at the round pond, you’ll see a historic covered bridge. It was actually relocated from elsewhere to this park!
Watch Your Grandchildren Play
In the park, you’ll find playground equipment, making it the perfect place for your grandchildren to play and tire themselves out. You can sit on one of the many benches to watch the little ones.
When they’re done, you can then have a cute lunch at one of the picnic shelters. It’s an amazing destination to bond with your grandkids.
Enjoy Yourself at Mill Race Park
At Mill Race Park, there are numerous outdoor activities for older adults you can participate in. From walking trails and fishing to basketball games, you can stay active in interesting ways.
On the social side, there’s lots to do, too. Mill Race Center has social and recreational groups for seniors, so it won’t be hard to find like-minded individuals who have the same passions. For just $80 a year, a membership is well worth it when you can see your friends and have a blast doing various activities.
Get in touch with us now to find out more about independent living for seniors in Columbus. We at Greentree at Westwood have exclusive senior lifestyle programs to help residents stay healthy and happy.
