Living in Wyoming means that nature is not an option but a necessity. The same goes for Cheyenne, where the city surprisingly has a good amount of green space.

Because it's the capital in the middle of the plains, I thought it would be barren, but visiting the parks makes me think, "Hey, this place is actually quite livable."

As I get older, I find parks becoming more precious. Discovering a new neighborhood park at this age is quite enjoyable. It's great for holding hands with kids or for a quiet walk alone. Having a park so close by really enhances the quality of daily life. Even if the city isn't large, having this makes it feel livable.

The most representative place is definitely Lions Park.

It's the largest urban green space in the city center, featuring walking paths, picnic areas, fishing spots, and playgrounds centered around Sloan's Lake. In the summer, you can also enjoy paddle boating. Most importantly, it houses the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, allowing you to enjoy two attractions at once.

You can stroll around and admire the flowers, which is like having your cake and eating it too. One of the great things about Cheyenne is that there's a park next to a park.

Sitting on a bench by the lake and watching the ducks is a form of healing in itself. Spending a lazy afternoon here on the weekend is my favorite way to relax.

The Cheyenne Botanic Gardens is the only public botanical garden in all of Wyoming.

Spanning 9 acres, it features over 27 specialized gardens and a large greenhouse powered by solar energy, home to mango trees, banana trees, and papaya trees. It's both fascinating and delightful to see tropical plants thriving in Wyoming's dry climate.

There's also a children's area called Paul Smith Children's Village, making it perfect for family outings.

The admission fee is reasonable, so I find myself visiting often. Being in the greenhouse surrounded by tropical plants lifts my spirits.

It's amazing that such plants can grow in dry land. Different flowers bloom in each season, so I get to see a different landscape every time I visit.

Holliday Park is also a great spot for a quiet picnic or birdwatching.

And Cheyenne's hidden treasure is the Greater Cheyenne Greenway, which features an impressive 45 miles of trails throughout the city. There's a route connecting the Botanic Gardens, Lions Park, and Holliday Park, allowing you to bike or walk between several parks.

There are many gentle trails that can be enjoyed even as you age, and on nice days, I can easily lose track of two hours while walking with my earbuds in.

The way the city parks are so well connected is a quiet pride of Cheyenne. It's especially beautiful in the spring. When I first walked this route, I had no idea it was all connected. Knowing that has made me go out more often.

On nice days, I can walk along the Greenway, stop by the Botanic Gardens, take a short break at Sloan's Lake, and return to Lions Park, easily spending two to three hours.

It's a route that can be enjoyed without physical strain, which is great for continuing to enjoy it as I age.

It's not easy to find places within a city where you can enjoy green spaces like this. I think Cheyenne has every right to be proud of it.

Thanks to these parks, I feel like I'm taking care of my health and boosting my mood.