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A study by the Urban Land Institute asked Americans what they value most when deciding on a place to live. 87% of respondents named the quality of the environment, including air and water quality, as a top or high priority. 55% cited access to green space, and 50% ranked walkability as a top or high priority. When looking for places to live, people generally want access to recreational opportunities and outdoor amenities.

Regular physical activity is associated with more positive health outcomes. Those who exercise regularly are at lower risk of type 2 diabetes, cancer, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and premature death. Living closer to sidewalks, parks, gyms, and other recreational facilities increases the likelihood of regular exercise. The graph below shows the percentage of the population with adequate access to locations for physical activity. Rural areas are less likely to have sidewalks, parks, and gyms nearby.

Resources for Physical Activity

Bulloch County Recreation and Parks provides programs and facilities for individuals of all ages to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Programming is offered for all ages, from Youth to Senior Citizens, with parks in Brooklet, Statesboro, Stilson, Portal, and Nevils.

The S&S Greenway

The S & S Greenway is a 2.75-mile paved walking/biking trail on the former Savannah & Statesboro (S&S) Railroad right-of-way. The Trailhead at Gentilly Road features restrooms, paved parking, and informational signage for users. The multi-use trail is 12 feet wide and continues eastward, crossing under the 301 Bypass. Then the trail crosses Cawana Road and runs parallel to Railroad Bed Road before ending at another trailhead located at the intersection of Pretoria-Rushing and Burkhalter Roads. The Trailhead at Pretoria Rushing Road also features paved parking, restroom facilities, informational signage, water fountains, park benches, and a picnic area.

Shelby Park

Discover the serene beauty of Shelby Park in Statesboro, a haven for nature lovers and casual visitors alike. Stroll around its peaceful pond, inhabited by ducks, geese, and diverse wildlife. With ample benches and picnic tables, Shelby Park provides the perfect setting for a relaxing afternoon. Added in 2021, a charming bridge completes a picturesque loop around the park, offering shady spots for rest and reflection. Whether you're here for a leisurely walk, a picnic, or to enjoy the tranquil views, Shelby Park provides a refreshing escape in the heart of Statesboro.

Blind Willie McTell Trail

Named after Blind Willie McTell, a Piedmont blues and ragtime singer who recorded "Statesboro Blues" in 1928, the Blind Willie McTell Trail begins at Little Lotts Creek on Fair Road in Statesboro. It winds north through Bulloch County Park, running parallel to railway tracks and weaving through downtown Statesboro to Triangle Park. This 1.1-mile paved pathway features smooth, level surfaces with bike racks, picnic tables, trash receptacles, and custom-designed benches by university art students. As it passes local businesses, residences, and the city's dog park, the trail also showcases raised pedestrian crosswalks, landscaped islands, and six varieties of trees. Additionally, the Blind Willie McTell Trail Tree Walk, part of the trail, offers a virtual tree map provided by Keep Statesboro Bulloch Beautiful, a local organization advocating for litter prevention, beautification, and community greening.

Blackwater Preserve

Kayaking, canoeing, and camping in pristine wetlands are just a few of the adventures you can have as a member of Blackwater Preserve. There are miles of waterways and land trails for hours of fun and adventure. You can go fishing or paddle through the cypress swamp to take in this unspoiled back-to-nature preserve's numerous birds and animals. Located just minutes from Statesboro and Georgia Southern University.

Kennedy Pond Conservancy

Kennedy Pond Conservancy is on a mission to restore and protect the 315-acre Carolina Bay freshwater wetland, creating a space where everyone can connect with nature. They are dedicated to preserving the pond and supporting the local community through education, research, and recreation.