Edmonds Beacon - Your Hometown News Source

There are many studies, and more each day, that demonstrate that Parks and Recreation departments are critical to the health and well-being of communities.

A recent study, using the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, suggests that parks have a unique capacity to enhance multiple components of well -being, such as physical health and sense of community.

Parks, playgrounds, greenways, trails, community open spaces, recreational and arts programs help keep communities fit, healthy and happy.

In Edmonds, that includes almost 1,000 different recreational programs throughout the year, 370 acr...