Page 8 - Reaching-New-Heights-magazine-2019

Get Outside!

Keep Kids Active

A 2018 survey done by Kamik, found that children spend 35% less time playing freely outside
than their parents did. The survey also found that nearly one in five children play outside once
a week or less! These results are alarming, as there are many benefits that come from children
playing outside. Below are just a few of these benefits, and how Southport can help your
children achieve them.

Develop Motor Skills Outdoor activities such Increased Vitamin D Levels Vitamin D is
as running, throwing balls, and catching all important because it helps develop strong,
require motor skills which continue to develop healthy bones and teeth. In order to make
with practice. Southport has three baseball vitamin D, we need exposure to the sun.
ball diamonds on site, including a brand-new Southport’s outdoor track, tennis courts or
diamond, which is a perfect place for kids to golf course are great places for kids to get their
start developing these skills. daily dose of vitamin D.

Independence and Making Decisions
Improve Sleep Exposure to sunlight can Kids who play outside are generally more self-
reset kid’s biological clocks and help children directed, making their own decisions of what
sleep better at night. A walk on one of the to do and how. The new playground to be
site’s several walking paths is a perfect way completed in 2020 will be a great place for
for children to get the sun exposure they need kids to do this. But in the meantime, a skipping
to reset their biological clocks. rope, sidewalk chalk or a good game of hide &
seek can accomplish the same.

Stop and Smell the Roses Research shows that natural scents like roses and
freshly cut grass make people feel calmer and more relaxed. A walk through
Southport’s Interpretive Park let’s children take in the prairie views, as
well as the scents of fresh cut grass, blooming flowers, pine trees and
saplings that line the pathway through the park.

In Manitoba, regular outdoor play becomes almost impossible
with our cold winters. During the winter months keep playing
at Southport Bowl, gym, indoor track and climbing wall. These
facilities are also open all year long, so if you are looking to
beat the summer heat head indoors and stay active!