All neighborhoods need an ocean

When we visit the coast, we walk. We mosey along the beach enjoying the sound of the breaking waves and browsing the shells the ocean has spit onto the shore.

We walk in the morning glow of sunrise, watching rays of light bounce off of the sea in glittery reflective sparkles. We walk after lunch and again after supper — especially if we shared a slice of decadent chocolate cake.




We walk to the pier and back. Sometimes we take the time to walk the length of the pier and observe the regulars as they pull croakers and stingrays from the water.




At home, we think we're doing great if we carve out 20 minutes a couple of times a week to walk the dogs around the block. 

That's why, I believe we should design neighborhoods with oceans. Understandably, they'd have to be much smaller than oceans that occur naturally in the wild. Even so, I believe artificial mini-oceans are the key to combating obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease. 

Stay with me. I've been to Wet -N- Wild/Emerald Pointe. Well, not recently, but when I was there 30+ years ago, they had a wave pool. We were able to ride our rafts from the center of the pool right up to the concrete "beach" where the waves dissipated. 

Now, if we had the technology and engineering to create wave pools 30+ years ago, we have what it would take to create mini-oceans with sandy beaches, tides and even some seashells. 

These mini-oceans need to be big enough to support at least one fishing pier with a restaurant and arcade. 

Apache Pier, Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Think about it. If such a water feature was within walking distance from your house, wouldn't you do a lot more walking? And fishing? And skee-ball playing?

I'm telling you, ocean-centric neighborhoods are the wave of the future (pun absolutely intended). It's what we need for a healthier, happier America. 

Micki Bare, mother of three, wife, daughter & marketing director is the author of Thurston T. Turtle children's books and an aspiring novelist. 

Email: mickibare (at) gmail.com

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Copyright 2018 Michele Bare