Prosperity: Exploring LA's Parks for free

So you think you have to let life pass you by because you don't have money to go out and do things? Wrong! There are lots of free or cheap things to do that will keep you active, entertained, and social circles booming. Try exploring the different parks in your neighborhood or even make a road trip out of it and drive to a neighboring town. Generally, admission is FREE and the fresh air and activity will be good for you.

Your imagination is the limit as to what to do once you get to the park. Bring friends, games, sporting equipment, pack a picnic, take your pets, a good book or your Ipod. Be open to the days activities and to the people around you. A park is a community space so be willing to let your activities blend and merge with those around you. If you are tossing a frisby around, welcome others to join you. Strike up a conversation with the other moms while your kids are playing on the playground. Ask to get in on a scrimage. Have a pow wow with the other dog owners while the canines play. The opportunities are endless.


Yesterday my friend Paige and I grabbed a blanket and the dogs and headed over to the Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park on Magnolia between Van Nuys & Hazeltine for some sun & fun. It was getting on toward early evening when we got there so a lot of the activity had quieted down for the day and the park had a very quiet, peaceful, tuned-in-with-nature kind of feel.

During the mornings and afternoons on weekends, this park plays host to a bustling of activity and variety of sporting events such as soccer, baseball, softball, and I've even seen tournaments of ultimate frisby go down. They also have a lovely shaded picnic area in the southeast corner of the park, a children's playground, some basketball courts, tennis courts, an outdoor pool, and some simple batting cages (you pitch) on the north side. My favorite part of the park though is their soft gravel track which is great for walking the dogs and weaves around the entire circumfrance of the park (I'm guessing about 1 mile) so you can observe all of the different activities going on as you walk. Yesterday Paige and I opted for the lazy day at the park and just laid in the sun, talked, and people watched. It was a heck of a lot more entertaining than sitting at home and watching t.v. and it didn't cost us a dime.

For more information on parks in your neighborhood, visit the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks website.