Power of Parks for Health Roundtables

Inspiration

The Power of Parks for Health Roundtable Series was created by the NPS Office of Public Health in partnership with NEEF (National Environmental Education Foundation), to facilitate open dialogues around equity, health, healing and wellness in the outdoors for individuals representing communities that have been historically marginalized from green spaces. The inspiration for this series stems from major themes featured in Twenty & Odd, a short National Park Service film produced by six African American women as part of the 400 Years of African American History Commission Act signed by Congress in 2018. Through thoughtfully curated scenes and audio of "Still I Rise" by Dr. Maya Angelou, the production team created an educational tool to inform, highlight and educate the nation on the trauma, resilience and beauty of the African American experience in this country. Twenty & Odd provides an opportunity to motivate and empower people from all walks of life to cultivate personal connections with national parks and embrace parks as welcoming sources of health and healing.We invite you to explore the Power of Parks for Health Roundtable Series and tune into the conversations!

young women sit on steps in a park while laughing and talking
Black History Month

Watch the roundtable discussion for Black History Month!

visitors sit in nature
AAPI Heritage Month

Watch the May Roundtable Discussion for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month!

visitor uses accessible wheelchair to enjoy a park trail
Promise of America

Watch the July Roundtable Discussion on Accessibility in the Outdoors!

family poses for picture in a park with bushes in the background
Hispanic Heritage Month

Watch the October Roundtable for Hispanic Heritage Month!

woman sits on colorful blanket on a cliff overlooking canyons
Native American Heritage Month

Watch the November discussion for Native American Heritage Month!

Last updated: February 3, 2022