Did you know that in several provinces in Canada, citizens are actually encouraged to keep fit through a fitness tax credit? When they enroll their children in certified programs such as soccer camps, baseball teams, and so on they can deduct a certain amount of the price off of their income taxes.
Here in Akron Ohio, of course, we operate under the tax laws of the United States. That means that fitness is entirely left up to the individual, with no benefits beyond that which is obvious. There is definitely something to be said for being able to maintain a level of physical fitness without that kind of carrot that dangles in front of you. Here in Akron, a big part of our fitness opportunities come in the form of the outdoor recreation opportunities we can enjoy.
Those outdoor activities can be quite varied, depending on the person and what they like to do. Jogging through your favorite Akron park with R & B hip hop music playing on your iPod is certainly one form. On the other hand, you may prefer to participate in more organized fitness opportunities such as an office baseball league, and so on. All these options are available to you here. In the rest of this article, we are going to take a look at some of the major outdoor recreation attractions within our beautiful city.
Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens
The biggest tourist attraction in Akron is also one of the best places for seniors and others to get a good dose of fresh air and exercise on a nice day. The gardens have several themes, and with over 70 acres of space there is plenty of opportunity to get in a brisk walk. And of course, it shows great support for your local greenhouse supplier!
Cuyahoga National Park
For those looking for a more challenging experience outdoors, Cuyahoga National Park sits right on Akron's doorstep. The park is the only one of its kind in Ohio, and preserves over 51 square miles of the state's original ecology.
Here, you will find plenty of opportunities to hike, run, or cycle along the system of trails which criss cross the park. Perhaps the most famous of these is the Towpath Trail, which is a total of 20 miles long.
Municipal Parks
The city runs several popular parks, several of which (such as Firestone and Goodyear Heights) are located at the center and help define the neighborhoods in which they are found. Many of these parks include pools where adults can take children to beat the heat on hot summer days. Just remember to take along a swim diaper, or your toddler may not be able to cool down!
Sports
Finally, Akron residents can participate or watch a number of sports within the city limits. Residents enjoy watching the farm team of the Cleveland Indians each baseball season at Canal Park, where the Aeros take on teams from New York City, Dallas, and Toronto. Patio set ups along the top of the park make for an ideal game viewing location.
Golf is also a major recreational activity in Akron, the location of the popular Firestone Golf and Country Club. The WGC-Bridgestone Invitational is played there each year.
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