Not 50, not even 100, but a staggering 122 acres: According to BucksCountyHerald.com, this is how big Lake Lenape Park is. The park, which connects Sellersville with Perkasie, PA, offers numerous outdoor activities for seniors and opportunities for nature immersion.
So, if you or an older loved one is looking for senior-friendly parks and things to do in Sellersville, Pennsylvania, Lake Lenape Park should undoubtedly be on your itinerary. However, given the park’s considerable size, it pays to prepare for your visit to make the most of your time outdoors.
The friendly and caring team at Hidden Meadows on the Ridge, our senior living community in Sellersville, PA, put together this guide with senior travel tips for those planning to visit Lake Lenape Park.
Time Your Outdoor Adventure Right
One of the most crucial travel tips, especially for older adults who plan to engage in outdoor activities, is to pick the right adventure time, primarily based on weather conditions. As Weather Spark points out, the most notable things about Sellersville’s climate and weather include the following:
- Summers: Warm, wet, and humid
- Winters: Cold and snowy
- The best time for warm-weather activities: Mid-June to mid-September
- The hottest month of the year: July (84°F being the average high)
- The coldest month of the year: January (23°F being the average low)
But why exactly should seniors factor in “time” when visiting Lake Lenape Park? Isn’t the park open and beautiful year-round?
Safety and Well-Being
Lake Lenape Park is open and incredible-looking year-round.
Still, poor weather can quickly turn a fun outdoor adventure into a dangerous situation. According to the U.S. CDC, adults 65 and older are more susceptible to heat-related health problems. For this reason, the health agency advises against engaging in very strenuous activity on hot days.
Seniors must also be mindful of cold-related illnesses like frostbite and hypothermia. According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), cold weather problems are more likely to affect older adults.
To avoid spoiling what should otherwise be an exciting, fun-filled day outdoors, seniors should always check the forecast days and hours before their scheduled visit to Lake Lenape Park. If things look like they’re going to be too hot, windy, or cold, it’s best to reschedule.
Better Enjoyment
Lake Lenape Park boasts senior-friendly accessible nature trails. You can leisurely bike along or walk on them if you’d like to get some gentle physical activity.
However, as a nature park, Lake Lenape Park’s macadam bicycle and walking paths can become muddy during and after rain. Muddy paths can pose slip, trip, and fall hazards, especially for older adults. At the very least, you risk getting all dirty and mucky, which can take the enjoyment out of your day.
Assess Your Limits and Physical Abilities
Being in or near nature and engaging in outdoor physical activity are some of the best ways to boost senior mental health. However, before participating in outdoor recreation and exercise, older adults must be realistic about their limits and physical abilities.
At Lake Lenape Park, seniors can enjoy activities with varying “intensity” levels:
- Walking and cycling on the park’s gentle, smooth, and flat trails and paths: Low-impact
- Playing disc golf at the park’s 18-hole course: Low-impact
- Playing soccer: Moderate to high-impact
- Playing baseball: High-impact
For seniors who simply want to relax while enjoying nature, Lake Lenape Park has you covered. It has well-maintained picnic areas and benches to lounge and spend quality time with family, friends, or yourself.
Visit the Park With Companions
Spending time at Lake Lenape Park with family and friends is a great way to stay social and build wonderful memories. It’s also for your safety. While we hope you never get into a dangerous situation, accidents and injuries can happen outdoors, and having people with you can make a massive difference in your safety and well-being if an emergency occurs.
Speaking of emergencies, you should prepare for them by:
- Carrying your ID with emergency contact details at all times
- Ensuring you bring your fully charged cell phone
- Bringing a whistle or signaling device to help attract attention during emergencies
Also, please inform family members, friends, or care providers where you’re going, especially if you plan to visit Lake Lenape Park alone for quality me-time. Tell them how long you plan to stay at the park and when you’ll be back.
Bring Outdoor Time Essentials
Bring a backpack during your visit to Lake Lenape Park, and please pack it with the following essentials:
- Ample water to stay hydrated, especially if you’re visiting on a hot Sellersville day
- A map of the park, which you can download and print or save on your phone
- Sunscreen for UV protection, especially on a high-UV index day
- Insect repellant to keep bugs and bites at bay
- A first aid kit, including your prescription medications
Several restaurants and dining establishments, such as The Washington House and Stella’s, are near Lake Lenape Park. However, if you plan to take a long, leisurely walk or bike ride, it’s best to bring some healthy snacks or treats to tide you over and energize you throughout your time at the park.
Adhere to Park Regulations
Sellersville Borough, which oversees the side of Lake Lenape Park in Sellersville, PA, implements playground and park rules under Chapter 94 of the Borough’s Code. Please familiarize yourself with these regulations, as they’re crucial for the park’s management and everyone’s safety and enjoyment. From not littering to keeping pets on leashes and not bringing alcoholic beverages, these are just some of the park’s rules to remember.
Enjoy a Day Out at Lake Lenape Park
Lake Lenape Park is a well-maintained park in Sellersville, PA, offering many outdoor opportunities for seniors. So, if you or an older loved one wants to exercise while enjoying the beauty and serenity of nature, head to 210 E. Walnut St., where you’ll find this lovely greenspace.
And, if you’ve also been looking for a warm, welcoming, and amenity-rich senior living community in Sellersville, PA, we invite you to visit Hidden Meadows on the Ridge, just 1.4 miles from Lake Lenape Park. Our personal and memory care enclave offers numerous on-site amenities, including two courtyards, a therapy garden, a beautiful bird aviary, and exclusive senior lifestyle and wellness programs.
Call us today to book a tour of our community!
