By: Jacob Maslow

Is your local park a tad lackluster? The truth is that park departments, homeowner associations, and neighborhood committees don’t always have the time, budget, and expertise needed to keep a park feeling like a cutting-edge space. Luckily, there are some simple things you can do to give a local park a makeover without making a huge investment. Check out these key ways to revamp your local park on a limited budget.

Invest in Perennials

One great way to keep a park looking colorful season after season is to invest in some perennials. Perennials are plants and greenery that come back year after year. When keeping a park maintained, they add up to a better investment compared to annuals that die off once temperatures drop. Spend time researching perennials that thrive in your area to choose options that will bloom at various times of the year to ensure that your park always looks beautiful.

Improve the Lighting Situation

One tip for making a park more appealing is to include bright lighting. Go for LED lighting that can significantly reduce electricity costs. LED lights also require much less maintenance compared to other options because they last for a long time.

Add Seating

Is there adequate seating at your park? Lack of seating is one of the biggest complaints people have about neighborhood parks. Benches and other types of outdoor furniture create an inviting environment that inspires locals to stay a while! People who walk to the park with their dogs can “take a breather” after arriving. Parents who come to the park to watch their kids play can relax on benches. Of course, some people may come to a park just to read a book on a classic park bench!

Add a Sandbox

You may not have a full playground update in your budget this year. A good alternative is to add a sandbox using a frame made of inexpensive lumber. Neighborhood kids will love digging in the sand and playing with toy trucks for hours!

Add Painted Games

While you may not have larger-than-life toys and games in the budget, one way to “fake” a big upgrade at a park is to use painted surfaces as games. One easy upgrade is to paint a chessboard on the surface of a picnic table using outdoor paint. You can also consider painting a game of Twister or tic-tac-toe on an asphalt surface in the park.

Create a Scavenger Hunt

Consider creating an app for your park that lets people embark on a treasure hunt! This can be a fun challenge that encourages locals to spend time observing all of the natural beauty found within the park. By going digital, you won’t have to worry about restocking paper at the park.

Work With the Town to Offer Community Service Hours

Some teens need community service hours for graduation or various clubs. Cleaning up the local park can be a great opportunity to get those hours in! Contact your local school system to see if you can offer opportunities for community service to local teens.

Create a Community Mural

Is your local park looking a little dull? Consider adding a mural that can be completed by local artists. This might even be an activity that the local high school’s art department is interested in supporting.

Published by: Nelly Chavez