If the weather is any indication Summer has arrived in full force. It’s finally time to break out those shorts and enjoy some much needed time in the sun.

Every week different parks around San Jose will play host to a series of events focused on health and wellness, as part of the Viva Parks project. These events hope to encourage not only healthy physical activities, but also improve community engagement around different neighborhoods. Think of it as a second chance for that summer body, but more fun than hitting the gym.

Activities will vary week to week and park to park, but visitors can look forward to Zumba, skate jams, climbing walls, healthy food demos and cultural dance performances, just to name a few. Certain parks will even offer hay wagon rides and roller skating.

Viva Parks is another attempt to bring residents out of their homes and onto the streets through a series of activation projects like the ones seen in Plaza de Cesar Chavez and Viva CalleSJ. These scheduled open-air events help encourage residents to build deeper relationships within the city they live and the people around them.

Marco Hernandez, senior recreation leader of San Jose’s Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services, says he is looking forward to revitalizing the parks and turning them into family friendly environments focused on health and wellness.

“Viva Parks benefits the residents because it encourages a sense of belonging through community, while also encouraging families to make new friends with their neighbors.”

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