We asked professionals for opinions on the benefits of Barefoot sensory rich parks.
Dr. Zaiga Phillips, pediatrician
Dr. Phillips, MD is a practicing Pediatrician in Bellevue, WA. Dr. Phillips graduated from University of Washington School of Medicine in 1959 and has been in practice for 60 years.
“Barefoot walking on pebbly and knotty surfaces is noted to be beneficial and enhances the development of the foot musculature, balance, perceptual - motor, and kinesthetic senses in preschool children.
Walking barefoot on uneven surfaces is known to boost fitness, mental and physical health in young and old.
Shoes, socks are only for protection, warmth and fashion. “
Sasha Naz Moinzadeh, OTR, owner of Bellevue Pediatric Therapy
Sasha Naz Moinzadeh, an Occupational Therapist with specialization in Pediatrics. She graduated from the Occupational Therapy program at San Jose State University in 2000 and earned a dual degree in Psychology in 1998.
“We are seeing more and more young children diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder also know as Sensory Integration Dysfunction.
It’s apparent our kids in our society are NO LONGER engaging with their environments and touching, feeling observing the gorgeous dirt, rocks, grass, trees and smelling what we all cherish.”
Barefoot Parks Experts and Cofounders also sharing their wisdom.
Charlie: “ Barefoot Parks are the perfect adventure for a Nature Lover such as me. And I know that by walking barefoot my feet and body will get stronger as I grow.”
Marta: “I like walking barefoot, it just feels good. I really enjoy being able to touch and feel all the natures textures and learn about it the same time. I like being surrounded by nature, I like laying in it, touching it and see how different it is and notice little things about it.“
Ella: “It is soooo much fun!”
Inese
The idea of bringing the concept of Barefoot Parks to the Pacific Northwest (and the rest of the US soon) came to me a couple years ago after I visited a Barefoot Park in Latvia, my home country. These parks are gaining popularity in Europe and already exist in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Europeans value the outdoors just like we do here in Seattle area and I thought it would be a great addition to our parks experience.
I spent my childhood running barefoot as soon as the weather got warmer, shoes were only optional in my day-to-day life when running trough the woods and exploring grandma's garden. Nature played a huge role in my early years and I carry this connection throughout my life. As a kid it was a lot of fun to play outside and to memorize the names of almost every tree and flower, to know where to find wild berries and mushrooms, to learn how to plant vegetables and then enjoy a bite of your very first homegrown tomato.
Maybe you remember too what it is like to just lay in the grass and watch the clouds go by and wonder where did it all started and why the sky is so blue? These are the kind of experiences I want to share with the kids and grownups that might have missed on it in their childhood. Because I do believe that everyone should have the opportunity to connect with the Nature.
Especially now that I have my three kids, I want them to experience the freedom and joy of the connection with our Planet Earth. Not only connect, but admire and appreciate for all the good things she brings to us.
Barefoot park provides this experience through reconnecting sensory function that occurs during barefoot walking. The trail offers different textures to experience and also tells a story as the visitors follow the path. The main goal of the park is to get people in touch with nature and offer medical benefits that come from this sensory experience. It's also a great way for the kids to learn and experience the elements of nature through fun, safe and sensory-rich walk.
Baiba
“The urge to be in nature and to be close to nature continues to grow as older I get. Back in a day my mom told me, every person has its tree, when you find it you always come back to it. It gives you strength, silence and understanding that you might not get anywhere else. Feeling the nature in your hands or underneath your feet energizes your soul and recharges your body. Walking barefoot on the trail and feeling every crumb, smooth sharpness or mud connects you to the nature. The connections are so deep that it relaxes you and makes you forget of the daily stress. Enjoy the feeling that barefoot trail gives you and share it with others. We all need a little more nature in our lives to heal us and lift us.”
Linda
“When I was little girl I spent my summers (and winters) by the beach, but to get to beach I had to take a mile long forest path. I didn’t wear my shoes more than a handful of times in the hundreds of times I took that walk. The path was full of pine cones, pine needles, rocks and other natural materials. It was definitely a challenge. But my Grandma always told me that if I were to wear shoes, I would get sick in winter months and my immune system wouldn’t be strong. So I never even though any different.
I remember my biggest reward was the beach. The second I stepped foot in the soft sand, the walk through nature was worth every step. Pure happiness!
It’s a common knowledge that the foot hosts some of the most essential sensory points in the human body. So when the elderly were talking about the importance of barefoot walking, they knew what they were talking about.
In this technology filled era, connecting with the nature is more important than ever. Barefoot trail is a wonderful way to do it!
Mother Nature will continue to thrive long after human are gone, but humans can’t survive without nature!”