Embracing the Outdoors

Cities find safe and successful ways to engage residents outside

by Brittni Johnsen, Florida League of Cities

Outdoor events and activities aren’t a novel idea, especially here in the Sunshine State. But as the pandemic forced Floridians and the rest of the world inside, wideopen spaces in the great outdoors seemed more important – and desirable – than ever before.

So, cities found ways to safely get their residents out of the house and into the sun. From leisurely activities and educational workshops to exercise classes and communitywide challenges, here are just some of the ways that cities got residents out and about during the pandemic.

PARKS FIND NEW POPULARITY

Unable to travel or visit their favorite pre-pandemic places, city parks became the new go-to destination for residents. They also became an even more popular place for cities to safely host events.

The City of Weston’s “Moonlight Movies in the Park” events invited residents to Tequesta Trace Park for a safe, fun event outdoors. Admission to each show was free, but capacity was limited, so residents were admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure all attendees practiced safe physical distancing, residents were assigned spots to sit in and required to wear masks.

Residents enjoy a family-friendly movie at one of Weston’s “Moonlight Movies in the Park” events.

Photo courtesy of City of Weston

The City of Port St. Lucie hosted an event at a city park that not only successfully got residents outdoors but also helped gather feedback for their strategic plan. Due to the pandemic, the city decided to host its annual “Citizens Summit” – part of its strategic planning process – virtually with three pop-up outdoor events. The “Strategic Plan Exploration Trail” event invited residents to learn about current and future projects from the city’s strategic plan while touring Port St. Lucie’s newest and largest park.

Attendees were given a road map, an envelope with stickers and suggestion cards, all of which they used to answer questions or provide feedback to the city. The park’s pathways were lined with signs featuring fun facts about the city and information on the city’s strategic plan and its goals. The event also included fitness demonstrations, a golf putting contest and activities for children and adults. The free event, which required residents to wear masks, saw more than 250 residents participate.

Port St. Lucie’s pop-up event invited residents to tour the newest park while learning about the city’s strategic plan.

Photo courtesy of City of Port St. Lucie

STAYING ACTIVE

In addition to keeping residents entertained while outdoors, cities also found ways for them to stay active and exercise in the sun.

In the City of Venice, residents were invited to participate in two walking tours hosted by the Venice Museum & Archives during winter and spring 2020 and again this spring. The Venezia Park Tour, offered on Tuesdays, focused on the different forms of architecture that made the Mediterranean style prominent in the city.

The Venice Museum & Archives offered walking tours that focused on historical homes and architecture.

Photo courtesy of City of Venice Historical Resources

The Grand Homes Tour was offered on Thursdays and focused on the important role the owners of the grand homes played in the development of the city. COVID-19 safety protocols were practiced, and masks were required. The fee for each tour was $20, and registration was required 24 hours in advance.

The Town of Cutler Bay also offers monthly guided kayak tours at Lakes by the Bay Park. The town partners with a local business to offer guided tours exploring the 23-acre lake and surrounding flora and fauna. The tours are limited to 10 people per tour and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The fee for each tour is $10 per person, which includes the gear and equipment. Learn more at cutlerbay-fl.gov/kayaktours.

Cutler Bay residents enjoy monthly guided kayak tours at the town’s Lakes by the Bay Park.

Photo courtesy of Nature Postings

The City of Leesburg began hosting fishing tournaments last summer and has hosted or co-hosted 16 fishing events and counting. The tournaments ranged in size from 60 to more than 175 participants. The city partnered with organizations to co-host these tournaments including local groups such as the Greater Orlando Sports Commission and Visit Lake as well as nationally recognized organizations such as Bassmaster, Bass Pro, Florida Bass Nation, Major League Fishing and more. Not only have these tournaments successfully and safely allowed residents to enjoy the great outdoors during the pandemic, but they’ve also infused much-needed dollars into the local economy.

Anglers with largemouth bass caught during the Bassmaster College Series National Championship, co-hosted by the City of Leesburg.

Photo courtesy of City of Leesburg

The City of Ormond Beach Department of Leisure Services hosted “Reel in the Fun,” a fishing tournament for kids, last summer and this spring. Both tournaments were open to ages 4-12, and participants had to be Ormond Beach residents. Participating teams were allowed up to two children each with one adult providing supervision. To ensure guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were followed, the tournaments were hosted at local sites that allowed participants to practice physical distancing. These tournaments were strictly catch and release, meaning that any fish caught during the tournament was returned to the water after being weighed.

Ormond Beach’s younger residents participate in one of the Reel in the Fun fishing tournaments.

Photo courtesy of City of Ormond Beach

Ormond Beach’s younger residents participate in one of the Reel in the Fun fishing tournaments.

Photo courtesy of City of Ormond Beach

The City of Clermont launched a Junior Park Rangers program for children ages 4 to 10 to learn about Clermont’s parks with activities from the city’s park rangers.

More than 40 children explored Lake Hiawatha Preserve for plants, animals and park landmarks on a scavenger hunt bingo card. Each activity was led by a park ranger who provided an overview of each city park and why water safety is important. Program Manager Emily Deal said, “It was the perfect way to familiarize kids and parents with our park rangers, city resources and safety tips.”

A City of Clermont park ranger and staff lead junior rangers on an exploration to find nature at Lake Hiawatha Preserve.

Photo courtesy of City of Clermont

HOLIDAYS, CELEBRATIONS AND EVENTS

Many cities also brought their annual events and celebrations outside.

The City of Delray Beach hosted an outdoor St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt for residents earlier this year. The scavenger hunt gave residents one week to find seven St. Patrick’s Day icons hidden throughout the city’s parks. The hunt’s rules and a list of clues were posted on the city’s website the day before the event began for participants to download. Every time participants found one of the hidden icons, they used their phone’s camera to scan the unique QR code placed on each icon to submit their entry. Each participant could submit seven entries for the chance to win a prize.

Delray Beach wasn’t the only city hosting a scavenger hunt during the pandemic. In celebration of the Village of Wellington’s 25th anniversary as a municipality, the Wellington Historical Society hosted an outdoor photo scavenger hunt earlier this year for places or objects within the city. Participants were asked to find the answers to 25 clues, visit the place or object, take a picture of it and then share the photos. Participants joined representatives of the historical society, the Village of Wellington and the Wellington Chamber of Commerce to hear the winners announced and for prize drawings. Registration was required, and the cost was $25 for up to five team members. Physical distancing and face masks were required. In addition to being a safe outdoor activity, the scavenger hunt also offered a fun way for residents to learn about the people and stories of Wellington’s past.

Coral Springs hosted spooky swim sessions at its Monster Splash event.

Photo courtesy of City of Coral Springs

Another city celebrated spooky season outside, but with a bit more sunshine. Last fall, the City of Coral Springs hosted its “Monster Splash” event at the city’s Cypress Pool. Residents were invited to enjoy a two-hour spooky swim session complete with a Halloween-decorated pool deck and festive music. Multiple swim sessions were offered over three days. The event was free for residents to attend. Space was limited to 80 guests per session, so pre-registration was required.

The City of Palm Bay holds “Food Truck Fridays” at City Hall. This biweekly event invites residents to purchase lunch from food truck vendors. The city offers covered seating for patrons to sit and enjoy lunch outside, or they can take their food to go. Not only have these events encouraged residents to get outside, but they’ve also helped support local small businesses.

The City of Palm Bay hosts “Food Truck Fridays” for residents every other week at City Hall.

Photo courtesy of City of Palm Bay

Despite a challenging year, Florida’s cities, towns and villages have been able to safely and successfully brighten their residents’ days by providing safe outdoor activities and events. Whether on front porches, in backyards or at city parks, they all bring a bit of much-needed sunshine to their communities.

Brittni Johnsen is the media relations coordinator for the Florida League of Cities.