The area in question is a recreational space combining opportunities for physical exercise with the increasingly popular sport of disc golf. It features fitness equipment suitable for various workout routines alongside a dedicated course designed for disc golf enthusiasts.
Such integrated facilities promote community health and well-being by offering accessible and diverse options for outdoor activity. These spaces contribute to a higher quality of life for residents by encouraging physical activity, social interaction, and appreciation for the natural environment. Historically, parks of this nature reflect a growing awareness of the importance of preventative health measures and community-based recreation.
This article will delve into the specific amenities available, the design and layout of the disc golf course, and the impact this facility has on the local community.
1. Outdoor Exercise
The sun beats down on the manicured expanse, warming the steel of the outdoor fitness equipment. Each pull-up bar, each set of parallel bars, stands as a silent invitation. It is here, amidst the green of the park, that daily routines are challenged and physical endurance is built. The draw isn’t just the equipment itself but the promise of fresh air and the release from the confines of a gym. Those who seek fitness find a space to breathe, to push their limits under an open sky. The park offers an alternative to climate-controlled environments, connecting movement to the natural world. A local mother, previously confined to indoor workouts, now brings her children to the park. While they play, she exercises, weaving fitness into her family’s outdoor time.
Beyond the fitness stations, the clatter of discs cutting through the air heralds a different type of exertion. The disc golf course winds through the park, presenting a continuous path of physical challenge. A long drive demands core strength. A carefully placed putt tests precision and balance. The walk between holes becomes a form of low-impact cardio. The course presents a blend of focused athleticism and casual exercise. Seniors, families, and competitive players alike populate the course. The low barrier to entry and relatively gentle physical demands allow for a wide range of participants. This inclusive nature underscores the Park’s role in promoting wellness.
Outdoor exercise is not merely an activity; it is a catalyst for community engagement and a source of physical and mental rejuvenation. The park’s provision of both structured fitness equipment and an engaging disc golf course demonstrates a commitment to fostering a culture of active living. The success of this approach is evident in the park’s consistent use, the varied demographics of its patrons, and the palpable sense of shared purpose. The facility has evolved into a sanctuary for outdoor exercise, enriching the health and well-being of the surrounding community.
2. Community Gathering
The concept of community gathering finds a physical manifestation. Rather than a simple collection of structures and open space, the park serves as an informal town square, a hub for interaction and shared experience. The park’s design and offerings actively cultivate opportunities for residents to connect, strengthening social bonds and fostering a sense of belonging.
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Organized Events and Local Markets
Beyond casual use, the park hosts organized events, from weekend farmers markets to holiday celebrations. Local vendors display their wares. Families enjoy the festivities. These events transform the space into a vibrant center of activity. The park’s central location makes it an ideal site for these gatherings, drawing people from across the community. This fosters a sense of shared identity and collective participation.
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Shared Recreational Activities
The design promotes shared activity. Groups gather for disc golf tournaments. Fitness enthusiasts form informal workout groups. Parents meet while their children play. These shared experiences help to forge connections. Individuals find common ground. The park fosters a spirit of camaraderie. Regular park-goers often recognize and interact with each other. A casual conversation begins on the disc golf course, evolves into a friendly rivalry, and solidifies into a lasting friendship.
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Informal Social Interactions
Not every interaction is planned or structured. A chance meeting between neighbors on the walking trail. A spontaneous conversation between parents watching their children play. These informal interactions contribute to the social fabric of the community. The park provides a relaxed and inviting setting. It facilitates these spontaneous encounters. These interactions contribute to feelings of connection and community identity.
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Multi-Generational Engagement
The park draws individuals of all ages. Grandparents push their grandchildren on the swings. Teenagers challenge each other on the fitness equipment. Adults play disc golf with their friends. This intergenerational interaction is a vital element of community building. It allows for the transfer of knowledge and experience across generations. The park’s diverse amenities cater to a broad range of interests and abilities. It further supports this multi-generational engagement. This helps to bridge divides. It creates a stronger sense of shared community.
These facets of community gathering, woven into the fabric of the park, transform it from a mere recreational space into a vibrant social nucleus. The events, shared activities, chance encounters, and intergenerational interactions demonstrate the park’s vital role in fostering a strong and connected community.
3. Disc Golf Layout
The sprawling green heart of the facility, the disc golf layout, is more than a mere arrangement of baskets and tee pads. It is a deliberate orchestration of terrain, vegetation, and challenge, designed to integrate seamlessly with the park’s broader recreational purpose. The layout dictates the flow of movement, the rhythm of play, and ultimately, the character of the disc golf experience offered.
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Strategic Use of Terrain
The course architects were clearly mindful of the existing landscape. Natural undulations, subtle elevation changes, and strategically placed trees are not obstacles but integral components of the design. One particular hole, known locally as “The Gully,” forces players to navigate a steep descent and subsequent ascent, testing both their throwing power and their ability to control disc flight. This clever utilization of the existing terrain enhances the challenge and aesthetic appeal of the course, making it a unique and memorable experience.
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Variety of Hole Lengths and Designs
The course avoids monotony through its thoughtful variation in hole length and design. Short, technical holes demand precision and strategic placement, while longer, more open holes reward powerful throws and calculated risk-taking. One such example is the par 4 “Longshot” hole, which requires players to navigate a long, winding fairway lined with mature oak trees. This diversity caters to a wide range of skill levels and playing styles, ensuring that both novice and experienced disc golfers find the course engaging and challenging.
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Integration with Other Park Amenities
The disc golf layout is not isolated from the park’s other amenities. Instead, it is carefully integrated with the walking trails, fitness stations, and picnic areas. This integration creates a dynamic and multi-faceted recreational environment. One might find themselves briefly pausing their disc golf game to watch a fitness class in session or engaging in a friendly conversation with a family picnicking nearby. This interconnectedness fosters a sense of community and shared purpose within the park.
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Safety Considerations and Course Maintenance
Safety is paramount. The course layout incorporates clear signage, designated walkways, and strategic buffer zones to minimize the risk of accidental encounters between disc golfers and other park users. Furthermore, the park staff maintains the course meticulously, ensuring that the fairways are clear of debris, the tee pads are level, and the baskets are in good working order. This commitment to safety and maintenance ensures that the disc golf experience is both enjoyable and secure for all participants.
In essence, the disc golf layout is a testament to thoughtful design and community-minded planning. It is a carefully crafted environment that seamlessly blends challenge, beauty, and accessibility, enriching the recreational landscape of the facility and fostering a sense of shared enjoyment among its users. The layout itself becomes a character, a silent partner in every round, influencing strategy and offering a unique experience on each visit.
4. Fitness Equipment
The presence of fitness equipment transforms the park into more than simply a space for passive recreation. It becomes an active training ground, a decentralized gym open to the elements and accessible to all. The cold steel and textured rubber of the equipment offer a stark contrast to the natural surroundings, yet their purpose is intimately intertwined: to encourage physical well-being within a setting of natural beauty. The equipment’s functionality is not just about exercise; it is about democratizing access to fitness, removing barriers of cost and location that often prevent individuals from prioritizing their health.
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Calisthenics Stations and Bodyweight Training
The pull-up bars, dip stations, and parallel bars stand as testaments to the power of simplicity. They are instruments of bodyweight training, allowing individuals to leverage their own mass to build strength and endurance. A regular visitor, a retired veteran, uses the bars daily to maintain his mobility after a knee injury. For him, the equipment is not just a means of exercise, but a vital tool for maintaining his independence and quality of life. This showcases how calisthenics stations become empowering tools in the park, enabling personal rehabilitation and fitness goals for many in Helotes.
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Cardiovascular Training Machines
Ellipticals and stationary bikes, strategically placed along the park’s perimeter, offer a means of elevating heart rates and burning calories while immersed in the sights and sounds of nature. A young woman, training for a marathon, incorporates the stationary bike into her cross-training regimen, finding the outdoor setting a welcome respite from the monotony of indoor workouts. This integration of cardiovascular equipment reflects a commitment to providing a comprehensive fitness experience, catering to diverse training preferences and goals. This outdoor facility brings an element of freedom and joy to typical cardiovascular training routines.
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Strength Training Apparatus
While not always extensive, the presence of carefully selected strength training apparatus, such as adjustable benches and weight machines, provides opportunities for targeted muscle development. A group of high school athletes utilizes the benches and machines to supplement their team training, using the park as an extension of their school’s limited facilities. This demonstrates the versatility of the fitness equipment, serving both casual users and dedicated athletes seeking to enhance their performance. This brings a sense of accessibility to strength training that is not always easily achieved.
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Accessibility and Inclusivity
The selection and placement of fitness equipment must consider the needs of a diverse population. Accessible machines, designed for individuals with disabilities, ensure that everyone can participate in the park’s fitness offerings. Wide, paved pathways and ramps provide easy access to the equipment areas. This commitment to inclusivity is crucial for creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all members of the community, regardless of their physical abilities. The design facilitates community engagement with exercise routines.
The fitness equipment within the park, therefore, is more than just a collection of machines. It is a deliberate effort to foster physical well-being, promote community engagement, and democratize access to fitness. The stories of individuals who utilize the equipment highlight its transformative potential, showcasing how it can empower individuals to improve their health, connect with their community, and enhance their quality of life. This strengthens the appeal and attraction of the Helotes Fitness Park and Disc Golf Course.
5. Recreational Space
The concept of recreational space, seemingly self-explanatory, finds nuanced expression. It is not simply land set aside, but a carefully crafted environment intended to nourish both body and spirit. The Helotes Fitness Park and Disc Golf Course exemplifies this principle. Without the intentional allocation and design of space, neither the pursuit of physical fitness nor the engagement in disc golf would be possible. The park’s existence allows the concept of recreational space to be realized. This illustrates a cause-and-effect relationship.
Consider the alternate reality: a community lacking such designated zones. Fitness becomes a private endeavor, confined to expensive gyms or solitary runs on busy streets. Disc golf remains an unrealized potential, a sport without a field. The park transforms an abstract idea into tangible reality. It allows the community to achieve benefits from recreational space. Every swing of a disc, every repetition on the pull-up bar, reinforces the importance of the park as a catalyst for healthful activity. The design of the fitness stations and the layout of the disc golf course determine how individuals experience and interact with space. The flow of pedestrian traffic and the visual appeal contribute to its value as a recreational asset. The careful selection of trees and other natural features creates shade and enhances the aesthetic quality of the park.
The Helotes Fitness Park and Disc Golf Course demonstrates the importance of thoughtfully designed recreational space. These spaces offer resources to benefit community well being. A lack of well-designed recreational facilities can result in detrimental health consequences. It affects opportunities for social interaction. These parks are not luxuries. They are essential components of a healthy community.
6. Park Accessibility
The chain-link fence surrounding the Helotes Fitness Park and Disc Golf Course marks more than a physical boundary; it highlights the crucial concept of access. Without convenient ingress and egress, the park, regardless of its amenities, diminishes in value. Accessibility dictates who can utilize the equipment, traverse the disc golf course, and participate in community gatherings. A resident with limited mobility, for instance, might find the fitness stations unusable if pathways are uneven or lacking ramps. Accessibility ensures equal opportunity, making the park truly a community asset. The practical significance of this is evident on a weekend morning when families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities converge, each benefiting from the park’s accessible design. Without this, many would be excluded, relegated to spectating from the periphery.
The parking lot itself becomes a key component of accessibility. Adequate parking, strategically located near key park features, reduces the burden on visitors, especially those with young children or mobility challenges. Furthermore, clear and well-maintained signage guides visitors to various areas within the park, preventing confusion and frustration. A local advocacy group for individuals with visual impairments worked with the city council to install tactile maps near the park entrance, ensuring that even those with limited sight can navigate the grounds with confidence. This proactive approach demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity that extends beyond mere compliance with regulations. It’s not just about providing access; it’s about actively facilitating participation.
The Helotes Fitness Park and Disc Golf Course stands as an example of how intentional planning and thoughtful design can translate into a truly accessible recreational space. The consideration given to pathway surfacing, signage, parking proximity, and adaptive equipment collectively determine the park’s usability. The park serves as a model for future recreational spaces and a testament to the power of accessibility in fostering a vibrant and inclusive community. Neglecting accessibility undermines the park’s potential, effectively locking out a significant portion of the population and diminishing its social and economic value.
7. Natural Environment
The land upon which the Helotes Fitness Park and Disc Golf Course rests holds a quiet story, one predating concrete tee pads and steel fitness stations. Indigenous flora and fauna, native to the Texas Hill Country, first claimed this space. The choices made in the park’s design either respected or disregarded that initial claim. The rustling leaves of live oaks, the subtle shift in terrain, the flow of natural drainage each element influenced, and continues to influence, the parks character. Without conscious preservation, the opportunity for park-goers to experience something beyond the purely physical aspects of sport and exercise is lost. The sun, filtered through the canopy, warms the asphalt and provides natural lighting. A local birdwatcher, a frequent visitor, attests to having identified over thirty different species within the park boundaries, a testament to the existing biodiversity. The natural environment is not simply a backdrop; it’s a partner in the recreational experience.
Disc golf, in particular, owes its appeal to the natural world. The course designer faced a challenge: integrating the game with the landscape, not merely imposing it upon it. The careful placement of baskets around existing trees, the use of natural slopes to create challenging shots, all speak to an understanding of the symbiotic relationship between sport and environment. A seasoned disc golfer noted that the course’s difficulty lies not just in the distances between tee and basket, but also in the need to account for wind currents influenced by the surrounding trees and vegetation. The maintenance of the natural environment thus becomes a vital aspect of ensuring the course’s integrity and the player’s satisfaction. Improper clearing or negligent landscaping can fundamentally alter the gameplay and diminish the aesthetic value, impacting user satisfaction. Further, shade mitigates the risk of heat related illness during the hottest months, which is another factor that influences the play and safety of the participants.
The Helotes Fitness Park and Disc Golf Course serves as a microcosm, reflecting the larger tension between development and conservation. Its success lies in the delicate balance it strikes: offering recreational opportunities while minimizing its impact on the existing ecosystem. Ignoring the natural environment would be a disservice to both the land itself and the community it serves. The park demonstrates what can be achieved with intention and respect. Its significance is not just as a place for recreation, but as a model for harmonious coexistence. This can serve as a beacon for future developments.
8. Physical Wellness
Physical wellness, beyond its dictionary definition, becomes a lived experience at a place like the Helotes Fitness Park and Disc Golf Course. It’s an ongoing story, woven into the very fabric of the park, and the individuals that frequent there. At its core, there’s opportunity for residents of Helotes, or surrounding communities, to engage in various physical activities; therefore physical wellness, or physical health is more accessible and feasible to many.
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Cardiovascular Health Through Active Recreation
The human heart, a tireless engine, benefits directly from the options available. The winding paths of the disc golf course, each throw and retrieval, create an opportunity to elevate heart rates and enhance circulatory function. A visitor, recovering from a cardiac event, begins his recovery routine on those same paths. The gentle inclines and the mindful act of walking become his method. This is a symbol of the role disc golf plays in cardiovascular well-being.
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Musculoskeletal Strength and Flexibility
The outdoor fitness stations stand as silent gymnasiums. Each pull-up bar, dip station, and stretching frame becomes a tool for building and maintaining musculoskeletal strength and flexibility. Each body moves through the motions, gradually improving and strengthening their muscles. All of this becomes a testament to the park’s potential to enhance musculoskeletal wellness.
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Weight Management and Metabolic Health
The park provides resources to combat sedentary lifestyles. The combined effect of physical activity and outdoor exposure contribute to improved metabolic health. This addresses concerns about weight management. The option to exercise outdoors becomes a crucial element for residents seeking a healthier lifestyle, offering a natural remedy for the challenges of modern living.
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Mental and Emotional Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical wellness extends beyond the purely physical, influencing mental and emotional states as well. Sunshine, fresh air, and the joy of movement all contribute to a sense of well-being. A visit to the park provides a needed break from the stresses of daily life, offering a sanctuary for rejuvenation. The ability to connect with nature while exercising becomes a key component of mental and emotional wellness, creating a harmonious balance between body and mind. A local resident stated that this is a positive and effective form of self-care.
The tale of Helotes Fitness Park and Disc Golf Course illustrates how physical wellness is not merely a destination, but an ongoing journey. The park stands as an ally in pursuit of that, offering pathways to improved cardiovascular health, musculoskeletal strength, weight management, and emotional well-being. The park contributes to the overall quality of life for individuals and the community.
9. Community Health
Community health, a broad term encompassing the well-being of a population within a shared geographical space, finds a tangible expression at the facility. It isn’t simply about the absence of disease, but rather a proactive state of physical, mental, and social flourishing. The facility stands as a resource to help the community achieve that state, fostering healthy habits, reducing healthcare burdens, and cultivating a sense of collective efficacy. The fitness park and disc golf course demonstrate how deliberate planning and access to outdoor recreation directly address factors influencing community health outcomes.
Consider, for example, the ripple effect generated by a single resident who begins using the park regularly. Increased physical activity leads to improved cardiovascular health, reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, and enhanced mental well-being. This individual then becomes an advocate, encouraging family members, friends, and neighbors to join in. This leads to a domino effect. What began as an individual effort blossoms into a community-wide movement, where healthy habits are normalized and celebrated. Local schools organize field trips to the park, introducing children to the joys of outdoor exercise and instilling lifelong habits of physical activity. Workplace wellness programs encourage employees to utilize the park during lunch breaks, promoting stress reduction and boosting productivity. The fitness park and disc golf course becomes a focal point, a place where various segments of the community converge, united by a shared desire for better health.
The significance of the facility lies in its accessibility and inclusivity. The park provides a low-cost, readily available alternative to expensive gyms and private fitness programs. It breaks down barriers, making physical activity accessible to individuals of all ages, income levels, and abilities. It embodies a proactive approach to health promotion. Neglecting to foster community health has long-term consequences, increasing healthcare costs, reducing productivity, and diminishing overall quality of life. The fitness park and disc golf course serves as a model for community-centered interventions, demonstrating how even seemingly small investments can yield significant returns in terms of public health. In the end, the park symbolizes a community’s commitment to its own well-being, a testament to the power of collective action and the enduring importance of prioritizing health for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Helotes Fitness Park and Disc Golf Course, like any community asset, generates questions. Seeking clarity is a sign of engagement. The following addresses common inquiries.
Question 1: What exactly constitutes permissible hours of operation?
The park’s gates stand open from sunrise to sunset. This allows for utilization during daylight hours. Those who arrive before dawn or linger beyond dusk risk facing legal consequences. Respect for these established boundaries is essential for ensuring community order and minimizing disturbance to the surrounding neighborhood.
Question 2: Are external vendors permitted to conduct business within the park’s boundaries?
The answer is no. The park isn’t a commercial space. Solicitation or sales without prior authorization are prohibited. Such activities disrupt the intended atmosphere of recreation and relaxation. Enforcement measures are in place to safeguard the integrity of the park’s designated use.
Question 3: What recourse exists for reporting damage to park equipment or instances of vandalism?
Vigilance is a shared responsibility. Should one observe damage, vandalism, or other forms of malfeasance, one must promptly notify the Helotes Parks and Recreation Department. Timely reporting facilitates swift intervention and prevents further deterioration of park assets.
Question 4: Are domesticated animals permitted within the park?
The park welcomes responsible pet owners. However, animals must remain leashed at all times. Furthermore, owners bear the burden of cleaning up after their pets. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in citations and potential expulsion from the premises.
Question 5: Is the consumption of alcoholic beverages sanctioned within the park?
The act of imbibing alcohol in public, especially within a space designed for families, is strictly forbidden. Violation of this ordinance will incur penalties. Maintain a sober and respectable demeanor. One contributes to the park’s safety and enjoyment for all.
Question 6: Are individuals permitted to operate unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) over the park?
The flight of drones over the park necessitates prior approval from the Parks and Recreation Department. Unauthorized drone activity poses a potential threat to park visitors and may disrupt the intended tranquility of the space. Compliance with this policy is critical for ensuring the safety and comfort of all who frequent the facility.
The aforementioned FAQs serve to clarify expectations. They encourage a sense of shared responsibility. One’s actions contribute to maintaining the park’s value as a community asset.
The discussion will now transition to future development plans. It will delve into upcoming enhancements and expansions of the facility.
Navigating the Challenges
The land whispers stories of perseverance, resilience mirroring human efforts expended within its boundaries. This space, a blend of fitness and sport, imparts silent lessons. The facility serves as a living embodiment of crucial life skills.
Tip 1: Embrace the Hill Country’s Undulation: Adaptability.
The landscape in Helotes, TX challenges disc golfers and fitness enthusiasts alike. Success demands an adjustment to strategies. Those seeking maximum results must mold their approach to meet the terrain. There is benefit to observing the environment and adapting to its constraints. The same principle applies to careers. Adjust your plan as needed to overcome obstacles.
Tip 2: Observe the Course’s Flow: Strategic Thinking.
The Helotes disc golf course is not a series of isolated holes. Its a continuous journey. A miscalculated throw on one hole ripples through future plays. Similarly, fitness routines yield greater gains when thoughtfully integrated into a holistic wellness plan. Recognize the interconnectivity of various facets of life. Make each move intentionally for long-term success.
Tip 3: Respect the Natural Environment: Sustainability.
The Fitness Park exists within a delicate ecosystem. Careless actions degrade the natural environment. A misplaced disc, a discarded wrapper demonstrates disregard. Sustaining progress, in any realm, mandates stewardship. One must protect the resources that fuel it. This may involve ethical business practices, sustainable habits, and mindful consumption.
Tip 4: Acknowledge the Limits of Equipment: Resourcefulness.
The outdoor fitness stations are not equipped with elaborate machinery. There are limited tools, relying on ingenuity and resourcefulness. Bodyweight exercises become a challenge. Similar constraints can be faced in business, personal relationships, and more. Resourcefulness is about seeing potential in simplicity.
Tip 5: Foster Community: Shared Responsibility.
The success of the Fitness Park hinges on the collective responsibility of its users. Vandalism, litter, or disregard for posted rules degrades the experience. In the park, a sense of shared responsibility is palpable. Cultivating that within every aspect of life is a key to sustainable progress.
These lessons, gleaned from the terrain and activities of this area, underscore the principles of adaptability, strategic thinking, sustainability, resourcefulness, and shared responsibility. Internalizing these ideals contributes to a fulfilling and impactful existence. One is poised to navigate life’s twists and turns with wisdom and resilience.
We transition now to an exploration of Helotes future plans, encompassing what might be done to facilitate those lessons to become even more prevalent.
A Legacy Forged in Green
From the sun-drenched pull-up bars to the winding pathways of the disc golf course, the preceding exploration has illuminated the multifaceted nature of Helotes Fitness Park and Disc Golf Course. Its significance extends far beyond a mere recreational space; it serves as a community hub, a promoter of wellness, and a guardian of the natural environment. The challenges faced, the benefits realized, and the lessons learned all contribute to the park’s evolving narrative.
The story of Helotes Fitness Park and Disc Golf Course is far from complete. Its future rests on the continued commitment of the community, the vision of its planners, and the unwavering belief in the power of shared spaces. May it remain a verdant testament to the enduring value of health, community, and connection, a legacy etched not in stone, but in the sweat, laughter, and shared moments of those who call it their own. It calls on its users to protect and to nurture.
