The underrated value of parks, paths & open space
- Jessica Busse
- 1 day ago
- 1 min read
People often talk about a home as if it begins and ends at the property line, but anyone who has lived here long enough knows that is not really true. The experience of living somewhere is shaped just as much by what is around you as what is inside your front door. Parks, walking paths, forest preserves, playgrounds, and easy outdoor access all quietly improve daily life.
That is part of what makes communities like Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, and Roselle so appealing to a wide range of people. Whether someone wants room to walk the dog, take kids to a park, go for a bike ride, or just have a little breathing room close to home, these amenities matter. They do not always make the headline, but they absolutely influence how a place feels on an ordinary Tuesday.
A few of my personal favorite parks in the western 'burbs that I definitely think you should check out are:
If you have a favorite trail, preserve, or park anywhere in DuPage or the nearby western edge of Cook, I would love to hear about it. Those recommendations are always better when they come from people who use them regularly.