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The City of Austin has long-established green belts, recognizing the value of green spaces for the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health of its citizens. With the rather vigorous growth of the area, created in part, by this attractive practice, the suburbs are increasingly seeking to invest in green spaces.
I propose that being outdoors, besides its physically healthful aspects, appeals to the soul, tones down our hypervigilant state, allows us to socialize better with neighbors and strangers, at least temporarily. It is perhaps because we see those walking about in parks and green areas as sharing something quintessential with us— we are united in the awe of that nature that birthed humanity ages ago.
Greater Austin is pulling together to spend millions of dollars building more than property-value-raising spaces. It is creating the opportunity for us to become better human beings. Technology, exacerbated by strident politics, has driven us apart. Parks are communal areas that hold the promise to reconnect human society. Whether we flock to parks and the outdoors for nature or for sports, in those precious moments we are drawn together as a people.
Some citizens may be blessed with the means to develop their own large lots. The Commons brings the boons of nature and the outdoors to homeowners, apartment dwellers, the rich and the poor alike. We can see each other enjoying life at its best. We can sense the tensions of division dissipate as we absorb the sun, the breeze, the greenery, animals, and even as we compete in sports at those green spaces.
Politicians and fearful citizens rage at their fear of the stranger and immigrant among us. What if greater investment in the Commons allowed us to see how alike all of us are? What if a broader experience of the Commons would lead more of us to appreciate and protect the gifts that nature brings?
Joy is being in community. Try it and feel it!
You can read about Greater Austin’s plans in this article: Austin suburbs investing in parks, trail systems to maximize quality of life.
I agree. The outdoor spaces offer so much to human beings. I live in an area that is rich in natural beauty, including a dash of the Pacific coastline. Californians worked hard some years back to preserve coastal access for public enjoyment and I have been forever grateful. The ocean offers such peace and solitude for me and yet I can be in community while I am enjoying that serenity.
Have had many an amazing walks along the path around the Lake weaving into downtown Austin, taking bridges across the water, enjoying bats rising, egrets and great blue herons standing guard. Only a guess, but I suspect Austin has as many dogs per capita as anywhere I've ever been! I love how all Austinites have access to such extensive and accessible green space. Something heavy on my mind is the number of unhoused who have sought refuge under trees near rest stops along the path. My prayer is we join our brains and brawn to solve the increasing economic crisis of the unhoused.