Paul Turner: City parks don’t get enough credit as outdoors escape

It’s an article of faith that Spokane residents have a mad crush on the outdoors.

Especially at this time of year.

If our area had a summertime lifestyle mantra, it might be: “It’s too nice out to be cooped up in here.”

Often the image this conjures is an idyllic mountain scene or a vision of living large at the lake. You know, the far-flung Northwest classics.

But sometimes we take for granted the in-town option for those craving a quick, convenient hit of nature – city parks.

It’s easy enough to do. In a part of the country with ready access to a variety of backcountry diversions, the Spokane area’s in-town parks are the poor relations of outdoors experiences.

Maybe that’s because we don’t give them the credit they deserve.

Let’s change that.

Here’s the thing. Not everyone has a sprawling backyard. Not everyone owns playground equipment.

But anyone can visit one of our parks when they need a change of scenery.

Anyone with a companion can grab a couple of mitts and go play catch at a city park. Anyone can go for a walk in the park and feel the sun on his or her face or sit in the shade of a tree and scroll through Twitter.

Anyone can go sit on a bench and watch crows act like they own the place. And maybe make a big life decision or come up with a solution to a problem at work. (The parkgoer, that is, not the crows.)

You see, our various parks aren’t just defined by whether they have tennis courts or wading pools. They are places shaped by potential and imagination.

The key concept is this: They are our parks.

No, city parks aren’t necessarily the place where you would go to get away from it all and experience a moment of sun-kissed epiphany. But there’s something to be said for being alone with your thoughts in a setting that all but shouts community.

Our parks are less about escape than they are an embrace, a savoring of a dedicated green space right here in town.

The people who designed this city long ago realized something.

They knew it was important that those who live and work here have nearby places to go that remind them of a fundamental truth. Spokane isn’t just buildings, cars and bridges.

It’s people. And people need a bit of elbow room now and then.

You want majestic? The Northwest is rich in glorious national parks.

But if what you need is a place to push your kids on the swings or have a picnic, dozens of local parks are ready and waiting.

Outdoors doesn’t have to mean 50 miles away. Remote isn’t always the right choice.

OK, maybe you’ll encounter used syringes and a half-ton of dog droppings. Nobody said the city parks are guaranteed to transport you away from reality. At their best, though, they offer you and your family a refuge from the countless distractions tugging at you. They can offer a respite from the numerous nuisances clamoring for your attention, trying to sell you something or wanting you to type in your password.

Plus, it’s free. No “Members Only” signs.

Maybe you will see some familiar faces. Maybe you won’t.

But have you ever noticed how a park can start to feel like your park after just a few visits?

Some of the smaller sites have a neighborhood feel. The bigger ones can provide a bit of urban anonymity.

Everyone is free to choose.

Now, Spokane is no concrete jungle. A view from the air would show a sea of turf lawns.

But the parks silently extend an open invitation to one and all.

Live in an apartment? That’s OK. Nobody is going to ask to see your papers.

Reside in another part of town? Fine. The ducks and squirrels don’t care.

Our city parks are proudly public. They welcome all comers.

You can toss a Frisbee or fly a kite.

Yes, there are rules. This is America. But mostly the parks just ask that you pick up after yourself.

You can plop yourself down at a picnic table and marvel that the land wasn’t sold and turned into condos and shopping centers.

You can even time travel. You can stand on the grass at Manito Park in summer and think about times you sledded there many years ago. You can stroll through Audubon Park and remember the time a friend shared a big secret over by that tree you are approaching.

Or you can just hang out and daydream with a gentle breeze in your face. Some things are just better outdoors, especially if you don’t have to travel far to get there.