CRexcursions

The answer is quite simple–a place where everyone can enjoy and benefit from a close encounter with primarily natural surroundings.

To understand the concept better, let’s start by breaking the term into it’s elements using the dictionary. Then I will provide an overview of the benefits and attributes of our concept of a “Recreational Eco-Park”.

Recreational

–noun
1.refreshment by means of some pastime, agreeable exercise, or the like.
2.a pastime, diversion, exercise, or other resource affording relaxation and enjoyment.

American Psychological Association (APA):
recreation. (n.d.). The American Heritage® Dictionary of the
English Language, Fourth Edition. Retrieved October 13, 2009,
from Dictionary.com website:http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/
recreation

Eco-

1.a combining form representing ecology in the formation of compounds (ecosystem; ecotype); also with the more general sense “environment,” “nature,” “natural habitat” (ecocide; ecolaw; ecopolitics).

American Psychological Association (APA):
eco. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved October 13, 2009,
from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/eco

Park

1.an area of land, usually in a largely natural state, for the enjoyment of the public, having facilities for rest and recreation, often owned, set apart, and managed by a city, state, or nation.
2.British. a tract of land reserved for wild animals; game preserve.

American Psychological Association (APA):
park. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved October 13, 2009,
from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/park

Is this something new?

Yes–it sure looks that way. I am very surprised. From my research (on the internet) this is a new concept and really not well defined at all. The term “recreational” incorporates a very wide scope of activities and “eco-park” is used anywhere from waste management (?) to wildlife preserves that have very limited or no access at all. I cite the following example when I went to Wikipedia (The Free Encyclopedia) October 13th, 2009. Click on the image below to enlarge it.

So here is what we believe a “Recreational Eco-Park” looks like. Let’s start with a real basic overview of the benefits and attributes. Then I will describe in more detail the dynamics of this type of park.

Enjoying a campfire after the team building events of the afternoon

What are some of the benefits?

1. A safe place where people of all ages and abilities can enjoy time together or on their own.
2. A park that promotes sustainable wildlife habitation.
3. A reflection of the local community can be incorporated.
4. A learning opportunity and inspirational setting for everyone.
5. A true example of environmental responsibility.
6. Attractive for local residents and tourists.

What are the fundamental attributes?

1. A serene environment.
2. Low impact developments.
3. Non-intrusive practices.
4. Programs that benefit the community.

How can these benefits be achieved?

Let’s examine each statement in greater detail.

1. A safe place

The entire perimeter of the developed park area would be accessible via a trail/service route. Staff and park visitors would monitor activities. An “Urgency Response System” ensures that all non-emergencies are responded to in a way that ensures safe and effective relief to the person(s) undesirable condition.
There are also no dangerous activities, such as; deployment of firearms, fighting, high speed activities or any other extreme challenges within the boundaries of the park.

where people of all ages and abilities

From the very young to those that are not so young anymore, everyone is included. We have developed unique electric-powered excursion vehicles to help ensure that those with physical challenges can enjoy accessible transit that meet their specific needs.

can enjoy time together or on their own.

Whether it is a large group, a family/friends or an individual the park can cater to the needs/wants of our clients. Specific areas can be reserved for an individual or group and privacy will be respected for the duration of the stay.

2. A park that promotes sustainable wildlife habitation.

Local wildlife has plenty of space to live in harmony with human uses.

3. A reflection of the local community can be incorporated.

By inviting interested individuals and groups to be part of the “Recreational Eco-Park” development process, a true representation of cultural diversity can be incorporated into the features of a specific park. This allows each park to offer a variety of attributes that specifically represent those that are stakeholders and offers visitors a unique experience reflective of that location.

4. A learning opportunity.

With the assistance of local educators, programs can be developed that specifically address the needs of individuals in the community or visitors that would appreciate attaining specific knowledge and skills training relative to the activities within the park and wellness topics.
The activities offered in the park will promote physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness. Some of these activities will include non-competitive sports and exercise, support groups, and edutaining seminars/presentations.

5. A true example of environmental responsibility.

One of our goals is to achieve 90% emission free operations and to promote the use of electric-powered vehicles and tools. We develop low-impact trail systems and sparsely populated picnic and camping areas that promote the sustainable use of the natural area.

6. Attractive for local residents and tourists.

Since local residents and groups have input into the park they will feel more compelled to use what they have created. For tourists it will be a place for discovery, with each park having a common base system and the added uniqueness of the characteristics determined by the local residents.

How can these attributes be created?

1. A serene environment.

Locations will be chosen for there natural beauty, whether that is current (like a pristine woodland) or a recovery project (an abandoned gravel pit). Minimum size should be 100+ acres in order to provide a reasonable amount space for areas of seclusion.

2. Low impact developments.

No road for public use is the most obvious positive feature of this type of park system. By creating only low-impact trail systems (some areas may require service vehicle access routes) we remove the associated negative effects on the environment.
Trails are routed along natural corridors and the removal of mature healthy trees is almost never required. Brush is cut low in only some areas and no chemicals are used to reduce weeds. Grass/turf is only placed for very specific purposes and never for aesthetics only.
The introduction of non-native species of plants or animals is strongly discouraged.
Buildings are prefabricated and can be installed with minimal noise and disruption to the surroundings.
The buildings themselves are stilted whenever possible to allow for unobstructed water-flow and small animal access.

3. Non-intrusive practices.

Almost all excursions vehicles are electric-powered, so the wildlife is not disrupted as vehicles travel along the trails. Bicycles (including electric-powered) and walking are promoted for those that have the ability.
Electric service vehicles, as well as electric and hand tools are primarily used for maintenance purposes throughout the growth seasons.

4. Programs that benefit the community.

A wide variety of programs could be developed. They could be hands-on experiences such as actually rebuilding old electric golf cars to create excursion vehicles. Individuals could learn to use reprocessed lumber and timber for building projects. Soft skills could be taught in a unique natural setting. Games and other “fun” outdoor activities, such as; Frisbee, Bocce Ball, Horse Shoes and Crockett could also be offered.

In Summary …

I hope this brief definition has helped you understand a little more about our concept of a “Recreational Eco-Park”.

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