Explore Senior-Friendly Walking Trails at Kletzsch Park
With its competent health care system, affordable housing, diverse shopping, and, as the city government notes, accessibility to four county parks, it's not surprising that Glendale, WI, is so attractive to new and long-term residents, including older adults.
Kletzsch Park is one of those four county parks that make the lives of Glendale residents, including seniors, more exciting and fun. Moreover, it's only a few miles and minutes away from our beautiful senior living community, Discovery Commons North Shore.
Many things make Kletzsch Park an incredible green space, including its miles of nature trails for seniors and various amenities that make outdoor recreation and physical engagement more accessible for older adults. So please read on, as the Discovery Commons North Shore team will explore these in more detail.
The Oak Leaf Trail
According to the Milwaukee County government website, the Oak Leaf Trail is a 135-mile multi-use trail system. It has seven main "branch lines," one of which is the Milwaukee River Line, which connects to and runs through Kletzsch Park in Glendale, WI. Visitors of varying ages can enjoy doing the following while on this trail:
- Walking
- Rollerblading
- Cycling
- Bird-watching
What Makes The Oak Leaf Trail Senior-Friendly?
As the National Park Service points out, getting on the trail has many health benefits, such as:
- Serving as a form of physical exercise
- Boosting muscle, bone, and heart health
- Reducing stress
- Calming anxiety
However, diminishing health may make seniors reluctant to get on the trail, as they may think hiking means steep slopes and rugged walking surfaces.
While many trails look like that, most sections of the Oak Leaf Trail don't. Most of it is smooth asphalt, making it easy to walk on and ideal for senior adventurers.
In addition, the Oak Leaf Trail has many easy-to-access connections to walking trails near Milwaukee and those within the metro area. So, for seniors looking for even more outdoor time and adventure, Kletzsch Park has you covered.
Taking the Oak Leaf Trail at Kletzsch Park is also an excellent way to see local landmarks, such as the beautiful Kletzsch Park Waterfalls. The falls, created by the dam and surrounded by a lush forest, are a sight to behold.
The Forked Aster Trail
The Forked Aster Trail is another Milwaukee County trail system that runs through Kletzsch Park. It offers short, gentle trails that wind through scenic areas, including:
- Woodlands
- Grasslands
- A floodplain forest
Older adventurers can enjoy breathtaking views of diverse plant species and populations here.
Other Kletzsch Park Activities and Amenities Glendale Seniors Will Love
One of the best ways for older adults to age healthily is to regularly engage in physical, mental, and social senior activities and events.
Luckily, in addition to its gentle walking trails, Kletzsch Park has many other amenities, from an archery area to softball diamonds and picnic areas, that make it an excellent source of outdoor activities for seniors. Let's explore some of them in more detail below.
Archery
Archery at Kletzsch Park is a senior-friendly activity due to its low-impact nature. It puts minimal stress on the joints, making it suitable for older adults with joint issues.
Archery is also adaptable to various fitness levels. For example, seniors can adjust the bowstring's draw weight (tension) to match their strength. They can start with a lighter weight and gradually increase the tension as they build more muscle.
Moreover, regular archery sessions can help seniors improve their focus and concentration. Aiming and shooting an arrow requires significant mental focus, which can stimulate the brain and enhance cognitive abilities.
In addition, seniors can socialize during archery sessions at Kletzsch Park. They can enjoy it as a club or group activity with friends, family, and their fellow senior living community residents.
Fishing
Fishing is another excellent senior activity for the following reasons:
- Casting and reeling in a line is a low-impact exercise that provides gentle muscle engagement
- Spending time outdoors by the water can be calming and meditative, helping reduce anxiety and stress
- Choosing the right bait and implementing fishing tactics can help improve cognitive function
- It provides plenty of opportunities to socialize
- Casting and reeling in a line can help boost hand-eye coordination
Glendale older adults can enjoy all those benefits at Kletzsch Park, where they can fish by the west bank of the Milwaukee River.
Softball Diamonds
Kletzsch Park has several baseball diamonds, giving older adults another low-impact sport to enjoy. It's a great workout option for seniors, as it:
- Requires gentler movements that put less stress on joints, making it less likely than higher-impact sports to cause injuries
- Engages different muscle groups, boosting flexibility, strength, and heart health
- Provides social interaction and a sense of belonging in a team, creating opportunities for new connections and friendships
- Helps reduce stress and enhance moods by providing a fun way to exercise and socialize
Picnic Areas With Majestic Outdoor Views
For Glendale seniors who want to focus on socialization while still getting light physical activity, picnicking at Kletzsch Park is a perfect option. While it may not be as sweat-inducing as softball, it still provides many crucial benefits, such as:
- Allowing seniors to spend time outdoors and enjoy Kletzsch Park's scenic nature views
- Reducing stress and improving moods by providing a scenic setting
- Providing opportunities to spend quality time socializing and interacting with family and friends
- Combatting feelings of social isolation and loneliness
As one of the top senior-friendly parks in Wisconsin, Kletzsch Park has also modified its picnic areas to make them more accessible to everyone, including those in wheelchairs. Additionally, a playground and permanent restrooms are nearby.
Live Close to the Beautiful Kletzsch Park
From its miles of senior-friendly Oak Leaf and Forked Aster trails to its other amenities that encourage physical fitness, recreation, and socialization, Kletzsch Park offers visitors and locals the opportunity to enjoy all these and more.
Discovery Commons North Shore, our assisted living and memory care community in Glendale, WI, is in a prime, convenient location. Our residents enjoy easy access to Kletzsch Park, downtown Milwaukee, Estabrook Park, and the Milwaukee River Greenway. We're also proud of our community's on-site amenities, which include chef-prepared meals, a daily activity and event calendar, and health and fitness programs.
To learn more about our lovely community, contact us today and schedule a tour!