Several recent studies reveal a strong correlation between pet and human health. By increasing the pet-friendliness of your site, you can boost park attendance and take proactive measures towards community wellness. A report by the American Veterinary Medical Association states that nearly 53 percent of dogs and 58 percent of cats are considered overweight or obese. Poor diets are one culprit. Processed pet foods are rich with grains, byproducts, preservatives, and even components of antifreeze. But perhaps the largest contributor to poor pet health is inactivity. Pets have adapted to the predominately indoor, sedentary lifestyles of their owners. Almost 70 percent of American adults are diagnosed as overweight or obese. Unhealthy eating habits and inconsistent physical activity are the leading factors. It may be possible to improve the health of pets and parents through the park system. The Journal of Physical Activity and Health reports that dog owners are more likely to achieve physical activity goals than people without dogs. Robert Taylor is a graduate student at Georgia Tech and a yoga teacher. Taylor has studied yoga for years and has always been mindful of his health. Yet once Laska—an adorable and playful field spaniel—came into his life nearly a year ago, his activity levels increased. There are several occasions where Taylor would skip cardiovascular activity if it weren’t for Laska. She motivates such healthy habits. “For her happiness and health, it is important for her to get moving some everyday at the very least. As a dog owner, I feel it is my responsibility to make sure her needs are met. She depends on me for so much that I feel it is unfair and wrong of me not to meet these needs. So, I am much more inclined to drag myself outside...
National Park Week
Celebrate outside
Now through April 24, 2016 is National Park Week! The National Park Service (NPS) and National Park Foundation have designated this as a period of free park access, exciting events, and healthful activities. Don’t have time for a trip to the park? It’s more worthwhile than you think: time in nature has proven to improve mental health. Playing outside promotes mental and physical well-being while increasing productivity. A trip to the nearest National Park may be just what you need to refuel for the next big project on your calendar. So get outdoors and enjoy our National Parks! They are a source of endless beauty and wonder. Besides, you’ll be doing your mind and body a favor. Remember, National Park Week is more than just a celebration of nature. While that would be sufficient, the event is also a celebration of American heritage. Several National Historic Sites rest under the NPS umbrella. These are great alternatives if seasonal allergies or limited mobility make a romp outdoors sound more like a challenge than a celebration. Ready to explore? First, find your park or National Historic Site. (In honor of the upcoming presidential elections, it could be fun to visit destinations dedicated the former presidents.) All this week, guests can enjoy free admission to the NPS sites. Need a few National Park Week celebration ideas? Check out the scheduled events below: National Park Week includes the celebration of Earth Day, which falls on April 22. Do a quick search for Earth Day activities at a park near you. Once you’ve identified a nearby Earth Day volunteer event, organize a group of fellow coworkers to participate. Remember to bring a comfortable change of clothes if you’re heading out after work. It’s also a good idea to carpool—it’s...
Making Waves
Man Made Surf Comes Austin's Way
Until recently, surfing has been an activity limited to the lucky ones with oceanfront access. This is about to change with some incredible technology created by Spanish engineering firm Wavegarden, which has the capability to deliver the longest man-made surfable waves on Earth. Sounds surreal, doesn’t it? Doug Coors, a descendent of the Coors Brewing family, made it his mission to put Austin, Texas on the surfer’s map by bringing the ocean-bound sport inland. The self-proclaimed engineer and surfer, founder and CEO of NLand Surf Park, LLC said it took him 15 years to find the proper technology to mimic an actual surf break. He found it in Spain and decided to bring it to North America. Coors plans to raise these waves for the public starting next year. Why Austin? Austin has become a powerful magnet for investors and tourists, a weekend heaven for festivals and activities of all kinds – from SXSW to triathlons for the disabled, biker rallies, and Eeyore’s Birthday Party. Sports lovers and creative entrepreneurs have made Austin their home partly due to the willingness to give new ventures a chance, no matter how ambitious they are. Probably the best example to sustain this perspective is the recently completed Circuit of The Americas Formula 1 track, the first in the country to be built specifically for F1 races. Interesting is that it is located down the road from the proposed NLand Surf Park site. The lagoon will be located east of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on rural property as big as nine football fields. The complex will offer 11 different surfing areas, with four different surfing levels, designed to create every 60 seconds perfect waves ranging between one to six feet high, with a surfing experience of 35 seconds per wave; think 300 distinct waves per hour. The technology behind the massive lagoon has been created in collaboration with the team and tech at Wavegarden in Spain, who proved its capabilities through the thousands of waves it has pumped in the Basque Country wave park. One of the most intriguing and fascinating facts about NLand Surf Park is the claim that, after the initial fill, the park will be self-sustaining with rainwater, even during tough drought conditions. Imagine surfing on raindrops. “Our top priority is water and water conservation,” Coors told Think Progress. “The surf community is very environmentally conscientious and they pride themselves on environmental stewardship. We want to fit in with that as much as possible.” With the water consumption solved, energy use comes next. Water is heavy and moving it needs energy; the ocean has the sun and the wind to create the waves, how will this massive project be fueled? Even though Wavegarden’s CEO Josema Odriozola said that the energy consumption in the company’s technology is much lower compared with the other existing wave generation technologies, the matter is a hot subject. One solution would be to make the park use solar power by placing panels on the unused land; however, this part of the project has not been nailed down yet. Coors has been discussing with three solar providers to determine the possibilities. Austin-based White Construction Company was chosen to execute the project within eight months with approximately 90 construction craftsmen and professionals on site. The undertaking is privately funded. Backing for the project is provided by 9th Street Capital, a Colorado-based private equity firm where Coors is president. Opinions on the project are diverse, ranging from excitement to anger, but the project will happen. NLand Surf Park will be just like an indoor rock climbing gyms – perfect for training. Sounds like it will be a destination for all the surfers who have relocated in Austin, until they make it back to Mother Nature’s...
