Thanksgiving gives us a chance to recognize our many blessings. And there’s no finer way to give thanks than with good food and even better company. All year, we strive for more. We seek a better job, a leaner body, a bigger house or a newer iPhone. But this holiday asks us to consider what we’re lucky to have right now.

I’m grateful for something often unnoticed – our breathtaking parks. From the grassy riverbanks at Island Park to the expansive prairie at Peck Farm Park, Geneva is blessed with natural beauty.

It’s hard to deny the soothing effects of nature on mind, body and soul. In fact, it’s proven. According to the National Recreation and Parks Association’s 2010 research report, prevalence of depression was 33 percent less in the residential areas with the most green space compared to neighborhoods with the least.