If you’re moving to Memphis to pursue your dreams of perfusion, you don’t need to worry about losing access to natural areas. In fact, Memphis holds one of the largest urban parks in the country!
Shelby Farms Park is a Memphis treasure. At the park, you’ll find people kayaking on Hyde Lake, fathers showing their children how to fly a kite, mothers pushing strollers on their daily runs, and children with popsicle-stained faces enjoying the sun.
Your job as a perfusionist is both amazing and rewarding, but because your responsibilities are so critical, they can sometimes lead to burnout. One way to combat this is by spending time outdoors.
Spending time in nature can:
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- Reduce Stress and Anxiety: Being in nature lowers cortisol levels, helping you feel more relaxed and at ease.
- Boost Mood and Mental Clarity: Fresh air and natural surroundings improve mood, increase focus, and reduce mental fatigue.
- Enhance Physical Health: Walking, jogging, or simply moving around in a park can improve cardiovascular health and overall fitness.
- Strengthens Immune System: Exposure to fresh air and sunlight supports immune function and vitamin D production.
- Encourages Social Connection: Parks provide a great space for meeting friends, family, or even making new connections, which boosts overall well-being.
Living in a big city doesn’t mean losing access to green and blue spaces—and at Connect Perfusion, we want you to thrive both inside and outside the operating room.
That’s why we’re exploring all the amazing perks of Shelby Farms Park. Let’s dive in!
1. 40 Miles of Trails – Whether you prefer walking, running, or biking, Shelby Farms Park offers scenic trails that wind through forests, fields, and lakes, perfect for an active escape in nature.
2. 20 Bodies of Water – From peaceful ponds to Hyde Lake, the park’s waterways provide opportunities for fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and wildlife watching.
3. Playgrounds – Shelby Farms Park features the Woodland Discovery Playground, a creatively designed play space with tunnels, climbing structures, and slides that spark imagination. For hot summer days, the Water Play Sprayground offers a fun splash park where kids can cool off with interactive water features.
4. Horseback Riding – Experience the beauty of the park on horseback with guided trail rides or pony rides, offering a unique way to connect with nature.
5. Treetop Adventure – Go Ape! at Shelby Farms Park is a thrilling treetop obstacle course featuring ziplines, rope bridges, and challenging climbs, offering a way to experience the park from above.
6. Paintball or Laser Tag – Get competitive with friends or family in an adrenaline-pumping paintball or laser tag battle at Shelby Farms Park’s outdoor arena.
With 4,500 acres to explore, the options are endless. Spending time outdoors is one of the best ways to recharge, unwind, explore, and stay active. Whether you’re biking the trails, paddling across Hyde Lake, or tackling the Go Ape! treetop course, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And don’t forget to say hi to the park’s resident herd of buffalo while you’re there (yes, Shelby Farms Park is home to a herd of buffalo)!
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