The Bureau of Meteorology says winter 2021 is likely to be warmer across much of Australia, which is great news for Gregory Hills residents who can make the most of all the great outdoor activities throughout the cooler months.
Here are our tips for you and your family to enjoy a warmer winter in Gregory Hills
Enjoy the benefits of socialising
Let’s face it, we humans are designed to be social beings. Socialising is about sharing your time, feelings and experience with others and taking time off to undertake some fun-filled activities.
Winter might not seem the most obvious time for outdoor entertaining, but with the right alfresco area, heating, and the right attire, it can actually be great. Hearty winter food and warm drinks will help keep you and your guests warm from the inside out.
Outdoor heaters and fireplaces are very affordable and create a great place to congregate with friends. You can even toast some marshmallows and invite a few friends to your place to enjoy some winter cheer. It’s also a great way to meet your neighbours in a casual and relaxed setting.
Visit a park
Gregory Hills has over 10 parks and play areas, including small local parks, playgrounds, sports fields and even a dog park. Our varied collection of parks feature established trees as well as open areas where you can soak up some winter sun, or even fly a kite.
Howard Park is the centrepiece of Gregory Hills’ parklands with an amazing children’s playground area. It includes a fenced-off area for toddlers to play safely with a sandpit, slide and log garden.
There’s an assortment of play equipment suitable for school-age children, including slides, tunnels, swings of all shapes and sizes, a huge climbing net, and rock climbing. There are also children’s playgrounds to be found throughout Gregory Hills’ many other parks.
Walk the dog
Dogs, particularly those with long coats, enjoy winter because they can run around without getting too hot. Dog owners also benefit from a health and social perspective when walking their dog a few times a week. Benefits include improved cardiovascular fitness, lower blood pressure, stronger muscles and bones (built up by walking regularly), and decreased stress.
One-on-one walks with your dog throughout Gregory Hills can be great for providing exercise and training, but they don’t often allow for much interaction with other canines. Meeting fellow dogs is important for pets to be able to learn and practice socialisation. The fenced dog park at Gregory Hills is within the popular Champagnat Park.
Go for a ride on a warm winter afternoon
Riding a bike on a warm winter afternoon is a great pleasure. Bike riding is a great solo pursuit but can become a family activity for parents and kids to enjoy together in a safe environment. Gregory Hills features many connected walking and bike trails.
Dedicated bike paths weave their way throughout the community over many kilometres. Did you know you can cycle from the suburb’s most southerly corner to its most northerly corner, only ever leaving parkland to cross a few roads?
Winter maintenance in the garden
Winter is a great time to undertake maintenance in your garden while the plants are relatively dormant. Perhaps build that new retaining wall, install some drainage, or establish a new garden bed.
You’ll then be ready to plant new blooms when Spring arrives. The time you spend outdoors will benefit your health, and you’ll have the added bonus of enhancing your property and its potential value. Get the kids off their screens and involve them in your garden jobs too. They’ll really enjoy seeing the garden come to life in Spring.
Shop and eat local
Warm-up with a walk to Gregory Hills Town Centre and shop and eat locally. You’ll be surprised by what’s available right on your doorstep. Convenient local services are keen to gain local customers. Hair, nail and beauty services are on hand, as well as massage, real estate, phone shop, bakery and gift store in one convenient location. Catch up with family and friends over a coffee or meal in the cafes and restaurants on offer.
Considering joining the thriving Gregory Hills community? Contact us on 02 4648 5511 or fill out our online contact form to find out more about Gregory Hills.