"Park prescriptions (ParkRx) have been found to help improve people's wellbeing by getting people outside. The ParkRx working group is focused on implementing these measures locally in Illinois."
Background
History of Park Prescriptions (ParkRx):
The idea of NatureRx began with a movement called Healthy Parks Healthy People. Healthy Parks Healthy People is an initiative to showcase the human health benefits parks and nature provide. Initiated by Parks Victoria (Australia), the idea was brought to global prominence in 2010. In 2011, the US National Park System created the Healthy Parks Healthy People Program to help promote five goals: healthy habitats, healthy recreation, healthy and sustainable foods, healthy science, and healthy futures. The US NPS Healthy Parks Healthy People 2018-2023 Strategic Plan outlines the current goals of the program. The program promotes people getting outside and being active as well as being sustainable and treating the parks with respect. The Healthy Parks Healthy People Program inspired a worldwide interest in park prescription programs.
One component of Healthy Parks Healthy People is Park Prescriptions (ParkRx). ParkRx programs are appearing all over the country connecting park systems with health care providers. Essentially, park prescription programs involve healthcare providers “prescribing” and persuading patients to exercise or spend time in parks to improve their health and well-being. As the Institute at the Golden Gate puts it, “Park Prescription programs are designed in collaboration with public land agencies, health care providers, and community partners to improve individual and community health.” The ParkRx idea has spread beyond the National Park Service to local and regional parks. NCH2 strives to connect stakeholders with resources to initiate their own ParkRx programs.
Examples of existing Park Prescribing programs:
Want to start prescribing? Visit this link.
Want to learn more about the Healthy Parks Healthy People Initiative? Visit this link.
Want to learn more about the Healthy Parks Healthy People 2018-2023 Strategic Plan? Visit this link.
The idea of NatureRx began with a movement called Healthy Parks Healthy People. Healthy Parks Healthy People is an initiative to showcase the human health benefits parks and nature provide. Initiated by Parks Victoria (Australia), the idea was brought to global prominence in 2010. In 2011, the US National Park System created the Healthy Parks Healthy People Program to help promote five goals: healthy habitats, healthy recreation, healthy and sustainable foods, healthy science, and healthy futures. The US NPS Healthy Parks Healthy People 2018-2023 Strategic Plan outlines the current goals of the program. The program promotes people getting outside and being active as well as being sustainable and treating the parks with respect. The Healthy Parks Healthy People Program inspired a worldwide interest in park prescription programs.
One component of Healthy Parks Healthy People is Park Prescriptions (ParkRx). ParkRx programs are appearing all over the country connecting park systems with health care providers. Essentially, park prescription programs involve healthcare providers “prescribing” and persuading patients to exercise or spend time in parks to improve their health and well-being. As the Institute at the Golden Gate puts it, “Park Prescription programs are designed in collaboration with public land agencies, health care providers, and community partners to improve individual and community health.” The ParkRx idea has spread beyond the National Park Service to local and regional parks. NCH2 strives to connect stakeholders with resources to initiate their own ParkRx programs.
Examples of existing Park Prescribing programs:
- Park Rx America
- A non-profit organization that helps health care professionals prescribe parks to their patients.
- Walk With a Doc
- A grassroots effort where a doctor recommends patients attend a presentation on a health topic and then the doctor leads a walk out in a local park post-presentation.
Want to start prescribing? Visit this link.
Want to learn more about the Healthy Parks Healthy People Initiative? Visit this link.
Want to learn more about the Healthy Parks Healthy People 2018-2023 Strategic Plan? Visit this link.
The Working Group
What we are working on now:
Building the capacity for physicians and healthcare providers to write park prescriptions.
Building the capacity for physicians and healthcare providers to write park prescriptions.
Articles that relate to work being done:
| National Recreation and Park Association, 2014 |
This article highlights five U.S. communities given grants to implement park prescription programs and how these programs are changing the conversation about health and wellness.
| Razani et al. 2018 |
This article is about a study that examines the effect of a physician's counseling about nature on stress of low-income parents.
| Niedermeier, et al. 2017 |
This article demonstrates the difference between indoor and outdoor activity, showing the added benefits that physical activity performed in nature provides.
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Want to get involved?
Fill out the form below to get involved in the Illinois NatureRx Working Group: |
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Photo by Kiersa Berg of Aoraki/Mt.Cook National Park.
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