The first time I played PARKS, I didn’t rush through the rules or dive straight into strategy. I stopped. I stared. The artwork pulled me in. Every National Park looked like a painting I wanted to frame, every tiny wooden token felt like holding a miniature piece of nature in my hands.

It reminded me that board games aren’t just about clever mechanics or competitive strategy. They’re also about artistry, the creative vision of illustrators and designers who make the experience feel alive.

This article is my little ode to that vision. Yes, I’ll talk about gameplay and strategy – they’re important. But I also want to celebrate the art, the tactile joy and the immersive beauty that makes PARKS more than a game.