Since Earth Day is right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking green, healthy, and sustainable. However, sometimes it’s hard to know what to do on this special day. Last year, I just ate a carrot and listened to Raffi.
We all know we’re supposed to recycle and maybe plant a tree, but what about taking Earth Day 2017 to a new level of intentionality and meaning?
There’s an awesome event taking place at Fresno’s Woodward Park on Saturday, April 22. Not only does it provide a chance to improve the Earth with volunteer planting, it’s an opportunity to improve your life with soul-enriching activities.
Taking place in the Art of Life Healing Garden within Woodward Park, members of the fitness community are joining with Art of Life Cancer Foundation to celebrate Earth Day and raise money for the foundation.
Throughout the day, various activities will take place and there will even be YARN BOMBING. Of course, if you’re not the yarn wrapping type, there’s also yoga, walking, a massage clinic, and more. Participants can also feel free to picnic anytime (a yummy lunch awaits at Lassens across the street), and spend the day planting and playing at the park.
The Art of Life Healing Garden
The Art of Life Healing Garden has been part of Woodward Park since 2015. Each portion of the garden’s design works to help cancer survivors and the people in their lives heal, rest, and remember (the Art of Life Cancer Organization calls all people who are dealing with cancer “survivors”).
Within the three acres, trees, art, and a lavender bush labyrinth tell survivors’ stories. Additionally, there’s meaningful artwork from survivors lining the paths, and personal touches everywhere. It’s a garden rich in story and art, and it has a beautiful view of the San Joaquin River. Local stories of cancer heroes and their loved ones can really make Earth Day mean more this year, especially when you pair a visit to the garden with fitness activities and volunteer work.
Earth Day Activities
Here’s the itinerary for the day:
8-9 a.m: High-intensity, interval-style circuits with Fit36. Skip your snooze button and check this out – you’ll be stronger, faster, and stand up straighter.
9-10 a.m: Walk or run on a 2-mile guided route through Woodward Park. Afterward, enjoy a massage clinic with Fleet Feet Sports Fresno.
10 a.m.-noon: Join lululemon Ambassador Lucy Wells for yoga in the garden. Brittany Muhareb from lululemon Fig Garden will be helping people focus on their future with a Vision & Goals Workshop.
11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m: Feel free to join Girl Scout Lizzie Brust from Girl Scout Troop 305 plant some greenery around the Areas of Reflection. The Areas of Reflection are along the trail that overlooks the San Joaquin River. As you walk, you’ll see them located in three spots; they feature enclosed park benches and mosaic art. Thoughtfully, the benches face the river so people can reflect on something beautiful as they rest. This activity is free!
Noon-3:30 p.m: Yarn Bombing Art Activities with the Teaching Fellows Foundation. This is a fabulous chance to be part of the art that fills the garden. If you’d like to participate, grab a colorful skein of your favorite yarn and head towards The Art of Healing Garden (besides your yarn donation, this activity is free as well).
Note: This is an event for all ages, so remember that The Art of Life Healing Garden has a new children’s playscape (courtesy of the East Fresno Kiwanis club) for kids to explore.
What’s It Cost?
First, you should register for the event here.
Next, if you want to participate in the fitness activities, all it takes is a $15 donation. Happily, 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Art of Life Cancer Foundation. Basically, it’s a great opportunity to be fit and philanthropic.
Bonus: Admission to Woodward Park is free when you mention “Art of Life” at the parking kiosk.
Additional Information
Pack your picnic blanket, snacks, and maybe some change for a smoothie from Lassens. Take a hat and sunblock, (I’m no meteorologist but it’s supposed to be 73 on Saturday).
When: Saturday, April 22, 2017 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Art of Life Healing Garden
Woodward Park (Friant/Ft Washington)
7775 North Friant Road
Fresno, CA 93720
Learn more about the Art of Life Cancer Foundation here. Visit the Facebook event page for this event here.
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