OTHER VOICES

Fran Mainella’s views on parks and play are eagerly supported by local professionals.

Katie Moses manages Lovers Key, which closed for a month in spring 2020. “When we reopened, people stated how happy they were,” she says. “Park visitors were excited.”

Julia Kroeker, professor of early childhood education at Florida SouthWestern State College’s Fort Myers campus, weighs in: “Play, particularly outdoor play, is absolutely vital for child development,” she relates. “It is also essential for adults’ well-being. Obviously, many individuals and families have struggled in some way during the pandemic, and mental and physical health and well-being are more important than ever.

“Being in nature has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression and attention deficit disorder. It also increases cognitive functioning, fosters social interaction and benefits our physical health.

“Unfortunately, as the pandemic drags on, many children and adults are spending more and more time on computers and less and less time outdoors.”

Kelly L. Bushéy, associate professor of applied psychology at Hodges University, offers a footnote: “From a psychological aspect, whether a child or an adult, if you tell someone they cannot do something, they want to do it all the more,” she says. “The pandemic disrupted many exercise routines, as with the closure of gyms and fitness centers. At one point even the beaches were closed. However, this was brief. Parks and beaches reopened with encouragement for social distancing. Families began to spend time together again, and it is healthy on multiple levels!”