Here at GWL, our mission is based on the belief that community engagement is essential--our work is not possible without informing, and getting input from, the public. During these uncertain times, while our office is closed and we work remotely, that belief moves front and center as we launch this blog to keep you informed of what we are working on --updates on parks, open space, and trail work, new ways to access healthy food, and actions we are taking to ensure everyone in our community fully recovers from this crises. We will also offer fun and educational things to do for families and youth to make “social distancing” a little easier and encourage ways to keep a healthy, active lifestyle.
As we approach the end of week two of adapting to these circumstances, our staff has been busy finding activities we hope will keep you and your family both learning and entertained. Here are some of our favorites. For more ideas, check out this page.
Learning by Doing: Educational Activities
Make Your Own Paper - Make hand-made paper by recycling old paper. This is a great way to discover that when we recycle instead of just putting things in the garbage, things can often be made into something new and useful! This activity has many steps and can take anywhere from 1-5 days to complete, depending on how complicated you’d like to make the process.
At Home Lava Lamps - How can we reuse things instead of throwing them away? In this activity, kids get to explore different ways we can think outside the box to reuse things instead of throwing them away or buying something new. This is a fun and simple do-at-home project, only requires four ingredients, and takes a few easy steps.
Shake-It-Up - Mason Jar Butter - Kids can learn the process of where milk comes from and how it is turned into butter, as well as how to incorporate butter and other dairy products into a balanced diet. Bonus - at the end you have a delicious treat: your own homemade butter!
Outdoor Activities
Visit Den Rock Park: One of Lawrence’s hidden gems, Den Rock Park is a 20-acre wooded preserve that has walking trails, an impressive granite rock face, a large beaver pond, scenic overlooks, and access to the Shawsheen River. The park is a wonderful recreational resource for the region and attracts hundreds of visitors throughout the year. One of them could be you!
Walk the Spicket River Greenway: The Spicket River Greenway is a 3.5 mile long "emerald bracelet" of green spaces and walking paths connecting parks and open space through multiple neighborhoods. Ideal for strolling, jogging, riding your bike, or pushing a stroller, there are ten parks and open spaces along the Greenway that have been recently rehabilitated or built and await your enjoyment. They include Dr. Nina Scarito Park, Misserville Skate Park, William Kennedy Playstead, Manchester Street Park, Immigrant Place Park, Hayden Schofield Playstead, Spray Park, Facella, Oxford Paper Site, and one of our favorites because it’s close to our office, the Ferrous Site. Let us know which one is your favorite!