We all have those days – the sun is shining, there is not a cloud in the sky, and yet you are stuck in the office. These days are all too familiar to the adult population. At the Law Office of Matt & Allen, we understand this need to stretch your legs, that is why we feel very connected with the Lafayette Parks & Recreation Department.
We understand that a lot of times the end of your workday rolls around and all you want to do is go home and relax on the couch. But here is our challenge: once a week, stop by a local park after work before heading home. You may be asking, “what is there to do at the park?” and that is why we challenge you to become more informed about what the Lafayette Parks & Recreation Department has to offer.
We think that their mission statement says it all: “Bringing together families and friends to enjoy the pursuit of playgrounds, athletic contests, picnics, nature, classes, and activities.” It is an all-too-common misconception that parks are only for children. Many people use the term “playground” and “park” synonymously when the truth is that playgrounds are just one thing that exists within a park.
There are a few parks within walking distance of the Law Office of Matt & Allen. If you live in the Lafayette area, chances are that there are some parks within walking distance of you as well. With over 1,500 acres across 36 parks, there is bound to be one that is perfect for you. As a part of these 36 parks, there are also 10 recreational centers and four swimming pools. There is truly something for everyone.
While most parks have playgrounds, there are also a lot of activities offered that cater to an adult audience. There are five miles of bike trails included in Acadiana Park and Moore Park. This can be a great option for a quick visit, as well as a great activity for the whole family! All skill levels are welcome on the trails, and everyone is always very considerate to other riders.
Have you ever dreamed of being Drew Brees in the 2009 Super Bowl, throwing the pass to Jeremy Shockey that gave them the lead against the Colts? Join the Adult Flag Football league and you can have that much excitement during your work week! With games happening Monday-Thursday between September and December, you’re bound to have an opportunity to be the MVP after making your own game-changing play.
Not a football fan? Do you stare out your office window and day-dream of Lionel Messi’s penalty kicks? Well, in Lafayette, you are not alone! With soccer being the sport with the most participants in Lafayette, there are plenty of adult leagues that follow the same seasons as the youth leagues. Moore Soccer Complex has 24 lighted fields, making it easy for anyone with dreams of the World Cup to play, either on their own or part of a league.
Along with adult flag football and soccer leagues, the Lafayette Parks & Recreation Department also offers adult leagues in basketball, softball, and volleyball. It is very easy to get involved in team sports through these parks. There are also leagues for Louisiana residents with special needs. The therapeutic recreation programs do not leave anyone out. These programs are open to those of all ages and include wheelchair bound athletics. During the summer, different parks hold camps for disabled youth. When we said before that there is something in the parks for everyone, we meant it. No Lafayette resident is excluded.
During the summer, there are enrichment programs held at all ten of the recreation centers. Children are supervised all day long during these programs. The participants will have the chance to experience many different aspects of the parks as well as taking field trips to other spots around Lafayette such as the library and the bowling alley. Eliminate the “I’m bored!” that is such a familiar sound throughout the summer.
We know what you’re thinking –“With 36 parks near me, how do I know which ones to check out?” At the Law Office of Matt & Allen, we prefer the parks that are within walking distance of our office on St. John Street. The closest, Youth Park, is one of the smallest, but it has a lot to offer. It covers 8 acres, with the majority being lighted baseball fields. These fields are perfect for a pickup game after work or batting practice with your kid on the weekend. As with most parks in Lafayette, there are also covered picnic areas. These could be a great option for company lunches or having a picnic dinner.
Another favorite in our office is Girard Park. While it is a little farther than Youth Park, it has much more to offer. This park is where the Lafayette Parks and Recreation Department offices are located. When it comes to parks in the area, this one has almost everything to offer. Visitors can take a dip in the outdoor pool or play a round of disc golf. There is also a jogging trail that is over a mile, tennis courts, basketball courts, covered picnic areas with grills, a baseball diamond with a backstop, a workout station, and much more.
Even if you are not the most active or sport-savvy person, there is still something for you in these parks! Maybe your perfect day doesn’t include hiking or shooting a basketball, but instead includes learning more about the place where we live. Do you want to learn more but are not sure what resources there are? Look no further! Many parks, including Girard Park, include historical and commemorative markers. Again, these parks have something for everyone.
At the Law Office of Matt & Allen, we love where we work. Not just the office, but also the town as a whole. Lafayette has so many great things to offer, but unfortunately many things go underutilized. There are plenty of towns that do not have the quality parks and recreation department that we have. We challenge you to go out and explore!
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