Nature-Based Wellness

Spending time in nature can:

Increase physical activity and improve overall fitness
Reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression
Improve mood, focus, memory, and attention
Support healthier blood pressure and heart health
Improve sleep quality
Strengthen social connections through shared outdoor experiences
Foster appreciation for the environment and encourage stewardship

Nature doesn’t just support one part of our health; it supports our whole person health.

A green and white cartoon mascot smiling and walking while holding a walking stick.

Find FUN on Your Wellness Journey

DEADLINE TO LOG YOUR ACTIVITIES:

September 5, 2026 11:59 pm

Days Left to Find FUN on Your Wellness Journey:

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This summer, we invite you to “Find FUN on Your Wellness Journey” and participate in nature-based wellness activities.

Between August 17 and September 5, each time you participate in a nature-based wellness activity and complete the accountability form, you will be entered into a drawing to win a health and wellness prize. Each entry will increase your chances of winning!

Look for our mascot FUN and the “Nature-Based Wellness Activity” lawn sign and scan the QR code in person, or log your self-guided activity afterward by filling out the form below.

Sample lawn signs:

Nature-Based Wellness Activities Include:

Fitness in the Parks Classes
Yoga in the Parks Classes
Self-Guided Trail Walk/Bike/Run
Self-Guided Outdoor Water-Based Exercise

More Nature-Based Wellness

QR Fit Trail

The QR Fit Trail can help improve your fitness through self-directed exercise outdoors.

The Department of Parks and Recreation invites you to visit the QR Fit Trail at Tucker Road Athletic Complex and Watkins Regional Park for a workout that combines the outdoors and technology.

Program Overview

Come join us for an exciting workout experience! Follow a scenic trail and scan QR codes at each station to access video instructions for your next exercise. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, this self-paced, virtually guided program lets you enjoy nature while staying active. Let’s get moving together!

Fall 2026 class dates coming soon!

Benefits

Enjoy the benefits of physical activity and spending time outdoors using QR Fit, regardless of your fitness level and goals!

Reduce stress by spending time outdoors
Increase muscle strength and bone density with upper and lower body exercises
Improve stamina and longevity with core and flexibility training
Learn new exercises and create your own workout

QR Codes are a fast and simple way to link to the Internet.

How to Use QR Fit Trail

Download a FREE QR Code reader app on your smartphone.
Using your smartphone, scan the QR Fit code on the trail’s welcome sign.
Walk to the next sign on the trail to begin your workout.
Using your smartphone, scan the QR Fit code that corresponds with the workout that you would like.
Follow your personal QR Fit trainer!

Park Rx

The mission of Park Rx is to enable healthcare providers to prescribe patient visits to parks and other natural areas in real time in the clinical practice setting.

The VISION of the program is to strengthen the connection between natural areas and improve the human condition via healthcare providers recognizing and embracing nature as a resource for improving our physical, mental, and societal well-being.

Park Rx America is the only Park Rx program to link a “park formulary’’ (searchable database of parks) directly into the electronic health record (EHR) granting medical providers the ability to prescribe parks “in real-time” to their patients.

Program Overview

The Department of Parks and Recreation has joined the national park prescription initiative (Park Rx). Park Rx is a program that uses the connection between healthcare professionals, parks and recreation specialists, and organizations, on public lands to improve the physical and mental health of the individuals and communities they serve. The Department of Parks and Recreation is excited by this new partnership and is dedicated to utilizing this new avenue to connect patients/customers with our parks and services in order to improve their quality of life. We believe this will encourage overall behavioral change, improve health outcomes, and foster new stewards and advocates for public lands.

Benefits of Park Rx

Substantial research has already been done regarding the therapeutic benefits of being in nature. For instance, spending time in green spaces lowers cortisol levels and blood pressure. Park Rx America is collaborating with academics to further the effectiveness of the Park Rx America park prescription model.

Goals of Park Rx America

Help doctors and other health professionals “prescribe nature” to patients and families during routine delivery of health care
Change patient and family behavior through increased time spent outdoors (subsequently reducing the effects of chronic disease)
Create the next generation of environmental and park stewards through outdoor exploration and experience
Evaluate the effects of Park Rx on park utilization, overall park experience, and measurable health outcomes
Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and publications pertaining to health and wellness, public lands, outdoors, nature, and recreation.