Getting outside can cause the human brain to produce a hormone called serotonin that lightens mood. Physical activity, physical exertion can be a stress reliever and can be a key component to overall health.

But beyond those psychological and physiological benefits, Leola Community Park is a gathering place, a neighborhood resource, a source of local pride. In those ways, Leola Community Park has been a constant in the Conestoga Valley area for nearly 65 years.

"It's a community park," said Judy King, a nursing student who lives in Leola and visits the park regularly, "but people who aren't from Leola will also come. It makes me feel good when I come. It's a great atmosphere, just the fresh air and all the trees. You enjoy being here."

Centrally located at 23 E. Main St., Leola, Leola Community Park is 22 acres of fun and activities waiting to be explored. Maintained and operated by Upper Leacock Township (ULT), Leola Community Park is open year-round from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

ULT also manages Berry Patch Park and Cobbler Courts Park as part of its recreational offerings to residents.

"(Leola Community Park's) purpose is to provide passive and active recreation to the Conestoga Valley region," said Michael Morris, who's been ULT's manager for 18 years. "I get the feedback from the community, and I've always been told it's one of the best in the county."

Visitors to Leola Community Park are greeted by a neon sign announcing its presence and a quaint divided driveway. In the heart of the park are large and small sets of modular playground equipment; a pair of pavilions available for picnics and family gatherings; charcoal barbecue grills; a couple of volleyball courts; a mini disc golf course; an exercise, walking and bicycling trail; a basketball court; a soccer field; a tennis court that can also serve as pickleball courts; a charming gazebo; and even an old-fashioned tetherball pole.

But while there's plenty do there in the summer, everything at Leola Community Park revolves around the swimming facility - a traditional pool, a lap pool and a wading pool.

Morris noted that walking and pickleball are among the most popular activities at the park. He added that people can reserve the park pavilion for reunions and other events, as well.

Leola Community Park's combination of open spaces and plenty of mature trees creates an environment that's both inviting and relaxing. Alcohol is not permitted at the park, and while dogs are, they must be on leashes at all times.

The site's parking is plentiful.

King visits Leola Community Park about once a week, depending upon the weather and the time of the year.

"When it's summer, I swim," said King. "In the winter, I don't come much. When the weather is nice, I come here to pray, just to talk to the Lord."

While the number of visitors to Leola Community Park is difficult to track, Morris said, "It's being used very much."

The origin of the Leola Community Park can be traced to the late 1950s.

For additional information about Upper Leacock Township's parks and recreation, go to http://www.ultwp.com/parks-and-recreation.