Do you need more recreation in your life? San Angelo has much to offer

Do you need more recreation in your life? Chances are, you do … and you may not even realize how easy and fun it is to improve your overall health and physical well-being. 

Taking part in recreational activities, especially outdoors, can greatly improve physical health.  People who participate in recreational activities such as walking, hiking or biking tend to schedule fewer doctor visits and maintain lower body fat, blood pressure and cholesterol. 

No one is saying you need to start by running a 5K … or that you ever must run a 5K. What I am telling you is there are many opportunities here in San Angelo, whatever your recreational desires are. 

Take a walk or trail run

Take your children or that someone special in your life for a walk. You will not only feel better, but will have some good conversation along the way. The Red Arroyo Trail is a great place to walk, with art placed all along the trail for you to enjoy.

Many people have utilized the trail since it opened three years ago. Have you?

If you don’t live near the trail, don’t let that be your excuse. I see people walking, running and riding bikes every day around different neighborhoods throughout San Angelo. We have many other places in which to take a walk or run. 

If you have not walked the Concho River trail near The Bosque or Kids Kingdom, please do so. Much like the Red Arroyo Trail, it will not disappoint. 

These are just a few of my favorite places to get out and take a walk. You know those days when the kids are telling you they’re bored and you can’t seem to think of anything to do? Now you have a couple of options – and you can improve your health and relationships along the way.

Adult sports leagues

Of course, if you’re past getting out and going for a leisurely walk, and you’re ready to take on a more strenuous activity, we have lots of organized runs throughout the year. There aren’t many weekends you can’t find someone hosting a run in town. 

If running is not your thing, we have lots of other activities for you and your family to be active. We have organized sports for all ages. Adult volleyball and basketball leagues are making a huge comeback, with a higher a number of teams registered for our spring leagues than we have seen in years.  

Many of you also know about our adult softball program. Softball is one of our larger leagues for adult sports. If you have not played for a while, don’t worry. We offer competitive, recreational and casual divisions for men, women and co-ed teams.

Lap swimming

While we offer many different leagues for the upcoming spring and summer, we will also soon have one of the best exercises for anyone at any skill level – lap swimming. The City of San Angelo Municipal Pool offers a great workout for getting your morning started, in an outdoor setting and in cool, refreshing water.

Lap swimming is offered at the Municipal Pool through the summer on Tuesday-Friday mornings. Swimming is one of the best ways to improve your ability to maintain a healthy weight, to have more energy, to improve your mood and self-esteem, and to lower your stress.

Activities for older adults

If you’re older than 55, we have not forgotten about you and your recreation needs. The City’s two senior centers – Station 618 and Santa Fe Crossing – are great gathering spots for seniors looking for a place to socialize and to stay active. The centers provide a wide range of activities, programs and special events throughout the year. Come by and let us show you what we have to offer.

San Angelo has so many different great things and ways for people to explore their preferred recreational opportunities. If you’re looking to free your mind, lower stress, improve self-esteem and confidence, grow spiritually, and accept some adventures and challenges in your life that are good for your body and mind, I invite you to check out what we have to offer at cosatx.us/recreation.

You just may find your favorite new activity awaits right outside your door.

Brent Casey is the Recreation Manager for the City of San Angelo. Contact him at brent.casey@cosatx.us or 325-657-4450.