Leisure and recreation is one of the most important aspects to consider especially if one is caught up in duties in workplace. Taking a time out from the normal activities to relax one’s mind, play, and unite with friends and family members’ is one of the most important psychological therapies around the globe. Recreation brings about emotional comfort and self-satisfaction, and a feeling of well being (McLean, 2014). Living in Los Angeles, California, Sana Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is one of the preferable places for leisure and recreation -away from the hustles and bustles of the day. We visited the site on 29th March 2014, on a Saturday, for a leisure and recreation time. The weather was convenient for riding and walking through the parks. Since the park usually opens from 9Am to 5 Pm, we had arranged to be there by 10 Am.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is situated across Los Angeles where it occupies more than 150,000 acres and is the largest national park. It can accommodate thousands of people due to its wide coverage area. The park domesticates roughly 500 animal species and over 1,000 different species of plants. The park also consists of rich and beautiful beaches, cool canyons, rugged backcountry, grasslands, lush meadows and scenic vistas that would make many people hold cultural activities, as well as outdoor leisure activities. These are some of the reasons that made my friends and I to choose the park for recreation.
The beautiful scenario within Santa Monica was the choice for our leisure time since the park consists of mountains that are ideal for camping, hiking, mountain climbing and observation of wildlife oasis. The ambient environment to relax and have a cool breeze and the natural breath round the place was another reason as to why we choose the park. Santa Monica Recreation Park provides its visitors with cool Mediterranean-like environment. There is nothing as refreshing as breathing good and sufficient air while still in the urban center of California. The feeling is also wonderful as one experiences the mountain birds, seals, whales and other forms of wildlife. This aquatic life can be experienced along the boundaries of Pacific Ocean as well as Santa Monica Mountains Range.
We were able to witness the evergreen broadleaf Mediterranean forest with about 450 species of vertebrates as well as 13 raptor species. The sight of coyotes, deer, bobcats, hawks, eagles, as well as falcon flying around the park, made each of us feel like we were in paradise.
We also took a ride down the Sullivan ridge, which many tourists call jewels of Santa Monica as it stretches about 70 miles crossing point Mugu and Santa Monica Mountains. We started the ride at Monaco Drive towards Sullivan bridge fire road. The distance proved to be too long for us to accomplish. While riding down the Mountains, I realized one could see the Rustic Canyon from the left side as well as Sullivan Canyon at the right side of the ridges. Then we entered the hub. By the end of the ride, one would be feeling relieved though somehow tired.
We had some refreshments by the swimming pool as well watched the kids enjoy themselves in bouncing castles. The area is full of playgrounds for the kids to have fun. The playground is fitted with swings, Santa Monica Pier and many activities that will keep the kids busy and happy throughout the time spent in the park. Play is one of the important factors a child would consider when under different environment - far from studies. The look of children jumping up and down, enjoying the swing, others on the merry go round is one of the unique experiences anyone would enjoy encountering within the lifetime.
The urban national park is also home to over 1,000 archeological sites as well as historic structures, coming from ranches to cinemas or movie studios. There is also a cultural landscape which includes museums providing glimpses in the history that region, as well as nature and cultural centers. For instance, the Satwiwa Native American and Indian Culture Center as well as Natural Area, which exhibits teaching and practices of all ages, related to the traditions of native people, for example, the Chumash.
Santa Monica Recreation Area provided us with solitude moments where we had a chance to relax our minds from the daily routines. This was a means of recreation where we were able to perform tasks but not as tedious as the normal working tasks. Having a ride was a little tiresome, but, considering the fact that it was meant to relax our bodies, the practice was special. This is one of the experiences that could be referred to as recreation. Recreation is whereby one gets involved in activities that are less tedious, light, pleasing and revitalizing. It is usually different from work in the commitment part, but they are similar since both are pleasant, creative as well as rewarding. Another similarity is that, people should get involved and should express deep commitment and personal involvement.
All those activities offered in Santa Monica worked as a recreation to us since, they involved social mental, and emotional involvement. My friends and I had a social thing like a come together where we engaged ourselves various activities such as bike riding down the mountain, swimming and other activities. These activities were fulfilling as we got to enjoy each and every moment together. Although we were racing, it would have no reward in case someone won the race. The activities were just refreshing our minds and feel free away from the responsibilities.
While in Santa Monica Recreation Area, I realized the thousands of people who turned up for the retreat were seeking pleasure as well as meeting social, intellectual and mental needs. For a short time someone is involved in the activities, it is evident that they draw attention to different things, thus thinking about the things outside the park is somehow impossible. Because of this effect, recreation works with state of mind in diverting attention and having fun. This acts as mental therapy, reducing stress and other related issues facing humankind in their places of work and homes.
I also realized the bond and spirit of togetherness that leisure creates while in Santa Monica Recreation Area. Leisure involves certain activities that are voluntary, but which are not connected to work. Leisure does not need one to be obligated to the activity being done or connected to such tasks. It involves choice and freedom as it can be used for one to achieve self reflection, meet personal needs, pleasure and relax (McLean, 2014). While in Santa Monica Recreation area, leisure can be achieved as one gets involved in activities like running, walking or even joining some of the bands around the park in singing. Some of us got involved in this type of activities, but not all of us. At the end of the day, we were all relaxed and had fun enough. The kids also enjoyed each and every time in the parks of Santa Monica.
The most memorable impact in Santa Monica Recreation Area is an example of Mediterranean type of ecosystem one would experience in the national park. The green leafy species of plants within this area gives one the sensation of natural beauty. Within the park, you meet with another surprise: the amazing wildlife with the few remaining coyotes and mountain world, a situation that would make one draw attention from the urban background. Relaxing beside the beautiful beach on the boundaries of the Pacific Ocean is another scenario that created impact in my experience. An encounter with seals and whales along this cost would leave one yearning to come back to this recreation center. The cool breeze on the mountains of Santa Monica gives an individual a clear view of the urban area of Los Angeles and also the Pacific Ocean. This sight would make anyone want to visit this place for more adventure.
In conclusion, leisure and recreation are important aspects in dealing with the day to day activities. Taking a day off duty or work and visiting a recreation area such as Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area would help relieve one from stress, physically and emotional strains and improve the workforce in the areas of work. Santa Monica Recreation area in Los Angeles occupies a large area in the heart of the city with many activities suited for recreation. There are parks, kids playground fitted with swings, merry go rounds and swimming pools, a bike ride down the mountains and aquatic life along the Pacific Ocean. Since a recreation refers to voluntary activities that are not work related, this site provides the best for such activities. There is also a Mediterranean forest that holds many plant and animal species. While, in these parks, one would automatically have a peace of mind relax both physically and emotional and improve health and social status.
Reference
McLean, D. (2014). Kraus' Recreation and Leisure in Modern Society. Boston: Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
