Making Shelby Township the Best Place to Play!

Shelby Township is my home but, more importantly, it's my daughter's home too. One of the main reasons I became more involved with our community is my interest in enhancing activities for all ages and offering more family friendly programming. Economic growth is important, but a truly thriving community uses that growth to enhance its natural resources and provides spaces and activities for its residents to relax and enjoy.

I am proud to support the initiatives presented by fellow board members and department heads to expand programming for children and seniors as well as invest in updating and improving our natural resources and recreational spaces.

As a working mom, summer is often challenging for finding safe and adequate programming for children - during the workday or weekend. But it's also the perfect time for children to engage in community-based activities that promote learning, growth, and socialization. Shelby Township offers both nature center programming and summer sports programs that are a great benefit to parents, and each year the programming gets better and better. These activities provide a range of benefits for children: it exposes them to the natural world and develops teamwork, leadership, and social skills.

Shelby Township has an exceptional program through Parks and Recreation designed for children to promote happy, safe and educational summer fun.

Shadbush Nature Center: The Benefits of Connecting Children with Nature

Nature centers are ideal settings for children to explore and learn about the natural world. They offer a range of activities, including hiking, bird watching, and hands-on experiments, that allow children to connect with nature and develop a love for the environment. Here are some of the benefits of nature centers for young children:

1. Promote physical activity:

2. Encourage curiosity and exploration

3. Foster a love of science

4. Promote socialization and teamwork
   

My family attended the Shadbush Nature Center nighttime luminary nature walk this past winter, and it was a wonderful experience. Taking a night hike through the woods lit by soft candlelit luminaries is an experience my daughter won’t soon forget, and my husband really enjoyed the s’mores and hot chocolate! I look forward to taking advantage of more programming put on by the hard-working folks at Shadbush this summer!

Summer Sports: The Benefits of Physical Activity and Socialization

Summer sports programs are another great way for children to engage in physical activity and socialization during the summer months. These programs offer a range of options, from team sports like soccer and basketball to individual activities like swimming and tennis. Here are some of the benefits of summer sports programs for young children:

1. Improve physical health:

2. Develop social skills

3. Increase self-esteem

4. Provide a safe and structured environment

For more information on registration for summer athletics through Shelby township, check out the parks and rec online registration portal. For a complete guide of the area parks check out this flyer.

Community-based summer activities like Shadbush Nature Center and summer sports programs offer a range of benefits for young children. These opportunities for physical activity, socialization, and learning, can help children develop important skills and interests. I am proud to serve on a board that prioritizes enhancement and maintenance of existing parks and creating additional spaces and activities for families to enjoy. My goal is to continue supporting programming that is family friendly and highlights our township's beautiful recreational spaces.

Trustee Lucia DiCicco