Woman standing in a yoga pose outdoors surrounded by cacti.
NPS/Hannah Schwalbe
Healthy Parks Healthy People is founded on the idea that parks can be gateways to good health—for people and the planet.
Healthy Parks Healthy People works with partners and interdisciplinary teams in the sectors of public health, medicine, conservation, and recreation to put a spotlight on the role of parks as social determinant of health.
The National Park Service has long been recognized as the custodian of our most treasured landscapes, cityscapes, and seascapes. These resources – that nurture, sustain, and inspire us are now being valued and understood for their collective benefits as health resources.
The National Park Service is putting parks to work for your health —and the results are social, environmental, and economic benefits.
Seven strategic goals serve as the basis for the NPS to take action to promote parks as a health resource. These strategic goals fall into two categories: Parks and People. The “parks” goals relate to the physical, natural, cultural, and social environments of national parks. The “people” goals address the desired impacts on individual visitors and employees and the collective benefits experienced by communities and organizations who partner with the NPS to pursue improved health outcomes.
wildflowers in bloom on a hillside
NPS Photo
Healthy Parks Goals:
National parks are healthy places to live, work, learn, and play.
The NPS contributes to the health of people, parks, and ecosystems.
Improvements to and maintenance of, existing and new facilities, programs, and environments optimize overall health benefits.
NPS Photo
Healthy People Goals:
NPS employees are ambassadors for healthy living.
People are inspired to improve their health in parks.
Community engagement and partnership practices amplify health benefits of parks.
Healthy Parks Healthy People efforts enhance the well-being and resilience of local and regional communities.
Ten kids jumping off dune at Great Sand Dunes National Park.
NPS Photo
Ten Guiding Principles
1. We rely on science and data to inform our work and guide decisions.
2. We promote interconnected health and well-being for people, nature, and all species.
3. Our efforts extend within and beyond park boundaries.
4. We support activities that enhance ecosystem and human health while protecting resources.
5. We address health disparities and strive for increased access to parks, open spaces, and places of cultural and historical significance, prioritizing safety for all visitors.
6. We foster physical, mental, spiritual, and social health.
7. We offer ways for everyone to enhance their health and wellness.
8. We collaborate with diverse public and private partners.
9. Our commitment to creating a culture of wellness will be reflected in our workforce programs.
10. We promote our nation’s parks, open spaces, and places of cultural and historical significance as a powerful health resource—engaging multiple stakeholders and partners to think more broadly about the role these places play.
Community Volunteer Ambassadors Jumping for Joy.
NPS/Joshua Hamburg
FIND WELLNESS IN A PARK NEAR YOU!
What are you waiting for? There are more than 400 national parks across the country with countless opportunities to find health, healing and happiness in a park near you.
Come on out, have some fun, learn something, and get healthy.
To get started, check out ideas for enjoying nature's health benefits where ever you are —even if you can't get to your favorite park. We have some tips for getting your dose of nature from the window, the backyard, the neighborhood, at work, and virtually.
Share your experience on social media #BeforeAndAfterParkRx and you may be featured in our official National Park Service #BeforeandAfterParkRx photo gallery!
Use Hashtags: #BeforeAndAfterParkRx #HealthyParksHealthyPeople, #NatureForAll, #PowerOfParksForHealth
