Jamie Peterson | Top 5 Public Health Trends in Parks & Recreation

I am interested in the Parks and Recreation division of Public Health. Maureen Hannan is a Virginia-based staff editor with Parks & Recreation and provided these trends about the positive effects of parks in the community.

Trend #1: Parks are Good Medicine. It is good for people to be outside and see the nature around them.  It is medicinal for adults and children to see the sunlight and get their dose of vitamin D. A lot of the time, when people go to parks, they also get some exercise. It is important to let the public know about the availability of parks.  Having parks and making the public aware of them affects their health in a positive fashion.

Trend #2: Tobacco-Free Parks Set a New Norm. It is unnecessary to allow smoking and tobacco use when children are present.  Not only does protect children from tobacco and secondhand smoke, but it sets a standard for local parks. Because tobacco is banned at the parks, the community will be more likely to go to the parks.  Making the parks cleaner and safer positively affects the community.

Trend #3: Community Walking Programs Gain Speed. The Arthritis Foundation implements walking programs in the community of Virginia. Nationally, the foundation is trying to implement the Walk with Ease and Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program. In the community, people have been excited and participating in the community walk programs. These walk programs benefit the community by making awareness of people with arthritis as well as getting people (with or without arthritis) motivated and moving.

Trend #4: Health Impact Assessments.  Health Impact Assessments (HIA) are being implemented in communities across the US. It is a self-given assessment or even a way of life. Their purpose is a guideline or standard that reflects a person’s health to a certain degree.  These assessments should not replace visits to the doctor.  The assessments help the community to be healthier as well as be aware of different ways to be fit and healthy. Overall, it can have a positive effect on a community.

Trend #5: Turning Recreation Deserts into Community Oases.  It is a tragedy to see vacant land go to waste in any city. The Parks and Recreation department in Virginia view vacant lots into some sort of recreational opportunity. It could be a rec center, a new playground, paved access trail, or even a public garden.  The important thing is that the community has motivation to be active. This will have positive effects on the community because with more community access spots, the need to stay inside will decrease.