By Julia Beauregard
Hometown Weekly Editor
In today's fast-paced world, where sedentary lifestyles and technology dominate our daily routines, the importance of being active cannot be overstated. Engaging in regular physical activity is not only crucial for our physical well-being but also for our mental and emotional health.
Incorporating movement into our lives offers a multitude of benefits that positively impact every aspect of our being. As the warmer months approach, it is an ideal time to head outdoors and get moving!
Here are five local spots to explore this summer and get your body moving:
Bird Park in Walpole: Francis William Bird Park is located at 135 Polley Lane in East Walpole. This family-friendly park has open fields, frog ponds, groves of trees, and pathways that are perfect for hiking, walking, and birding. It is the perfect place to spend a warm day with the family or to enjoy some solitude during the slower times of day.
Hinkley Swim Pond in Medfield: Hinkley Swim Pond has been a family-favorite spot for decades. Located at 51 Green Street in Medfield, the grounds contain a swimming pond and a playground, perfect for children of all ages! Skip the long drive out to the coast and head over to Hinkley to soak up the sun with your little ones.
Caryl Park and Playfields in Dover: Caryl Park provides a variety of possibilities to increase your activity levels this summer! Located at 107 Dedham Street in Dover, Caryl Park houses two different playground structures, one for smaller children and the other designed for big kids, tennis courts, a basketball court, a baseball diamond, and walking trails. Pick your favorite movement method or try out a new one when you visit Caryl park.
Butterfly Garden at Martha Jones Elementary School in Westwood: The butterfly garden is a hidden gem in Westwood! It is located near the entrance of the Martha Jones Elementary School. It was a gift from the Class of 2023 and has been maintained by the Westwood Garden Club. Common butterflies, such as the viceroy and monarch butterflies flock here. It is the perfect place to inspect insects, take a peaceful walk, and bring your children over to the park or field after! There is a little bit of everything available at this spot.
Martini Junction in Needham Town Forest: Allow yourself to discover a bit of magic this summer by venturing out to Martini Junction, which is embedded within Needham Town Forest. It is recommended to park at the end of Robinwood Avenue, but as this is a residential neighborhood, please be respectful where you park! Once you venture inside of the first, go to the far right and follow the white trail, which is indicated by the number twelve and followed by white marks on trees, as well as white bird houses. After a few moments, roughly five to ten minutes, you will take the unmarked trail off to the right, which will be indicated by a white number 11. White birdhouses will remain, but this time they will have orange roofs. After you continue down this path, you will begin to see various miniature houses and people, which means you are in the right direction! Then you will stumble upon Martini Junction: a model train that was built in Needham Town Forest. This wondrous hidden gem was built by Jim Metcalf, who had built this track and continued to maintain it. It is the perfect place if you’re looking to find a bit of magic and a walk in the woods.
Let’s explore the beauty our communities have to offer while embracing the importance of being active, for it is through movement and exercise that we unlock our full potential, nurture our bodies and minds, and embark on a journey towards a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.
