A “staycation” can be lots of fun!

I was very fortunate to be able to go to Hawaii to attend my daughter’s wedding and vacation with my dear friend Melissa and new family-in-law. Not all people are able to go on a trip during the summer months. Whether it’s due to finances, job, illness, etc., not everyone gets to go on a vacation.

That does not mean that you can’t have a memorable summer!

Salisbury really works hard to have, recruit and bring exciting events to our city. So even if you don’t have any plans to go anywhere, plan your summer with exciting events during your “staycation”! Check out the city of Salisbury’s website for an exciting summer schedule:

www.visitsalisburync.com/events/

Of course, we have beautiful Dan Nicholas Park where the activities are either free or have a small charge. How about a day at Tiger World or Lazy 5 Ranch? I prefer to go on the horse-drawn wagon through the park.

I have mentioned Salisbury Community Park before. It is located off Hurley School Road and is a beautiful park to take your dog on a leash, your mountain bike, run the trails or walk on the paved paths. The paths go around Salisbury Community Lake, which has plenty fish for fishing which can be a great fun family event. Make sure you get your permit through N.C. Wildlife before you throw your line in the lake.

As you can see, with planning and a little bit of research you can have a fun-filled, active summer. At our YMCA, we have a fun-filled Camp Wallace summer camp each week this summer. How about coming to the pool and splash pad with your family? Or indoor climbing wall with all kinds of challenges from easy to super hard? Our Saleeby-Fisher YMCA in Rockwell has an outdoor ropes course and outdoor trails for your walks and runs. The Fred Corriher Branch in China Grove also has a splash pad and fields and trails to stay active in a fun safe environment.

With the YMCA reciprocity, you can go to any YMCA in the country for free. As long you go 51 percent of the time to your home YMCA, you can visit all the others. University YMCA, on this side of Charlotte, has an amazing outdoor splash park and outdoor pool with slides which is so much fun!

Just because you are not going on a vacation doesn’t mean that this summer has to be uneventful or boring. Check your budget, check your days and plan this summer so it is memorable, fun and active for you and your family. And if it’s just you, check with your local YMCA, your churches, or Rufty-Homes Senior Center for fun-filled trips and activities to keep you active and excited throughout the summer. I am wishing everyone a wonderful and fit and active summer whether it’s on “vacation” or “staycation”!

Ester H Marsh is health & fitness director at the JF Hurley YMCA