Information and resources on public green space for physical activity and health outcomes.

When we talk about parks, we usually focus on their environmental values, and the recreational and leisure opportunities they provide. But parks have a lot more to do with our health and wellbeing – as individuals and as whole communities – than most people realise. Parks are inspiring and pleasant places to exercise and improve physical and mental wellbeing for today’s sedentary society that is more vulnerable to stress, mental health issues and obesity than ever before.  Parks are great venues for community sporting activities and places to meet and celebrate with family and friends. Heart Foundation works to promote the role of parks in health. They are places that offer refreshment and relaxation, recharging both body and mind.  Recent research clearly indicates that there are many and varied health effects to be derived from contact with nature, and that, in urban environments in particular, experiencing nature through parks may in fact be a vital component of human health that for too long has been ignored.

The Healthy Parks Healthy People program is one of the ways parks organisations come together to increase the profile of parks for health and wellbeing. Healthy Parks Healthy People (HPHP) Central has evolved out of the International Healthy Parks Healthy People Congress 2010, to maintain global momentum for better understanding the links between nature and human health.

What do parks mean to you and your health? Do you have a local park? Do you visit it for play, getting moving or relaxing? Have you visited it lately?

Make the move to get active in parks! Find your local park and explore the possibilities!.

Park Walks invites community members to participate in free monthly walks led by National Park Guides, Heart Foundation Walking volunteer Walk Organisers or Friends of the Parks volunteers. Park Walk programs are currently conducted in SA, NSW and TAS.

What about a community garden? Green space comes in a variety of forms, and can offer new and different opportunities for engaging with your community and getting active (and growing veges!)