Park Rx
Did you know that reducing the risk of chronic disease while increasing health and happiness can be as easy as spending time in your favorite park?
Park Rx
Park Rx or Park Prescriptions is a partnership between New Hanover County Parks and Gardens, City of Wilmington Parks and Recreation, NC Cooperative Extension, healthcare providers, public health agencies, and other community groups. Our goal is to help build a healthier New Hanover County by encouraging citizens to get outside and exercise!
Regular Exercise helps to:
- Reduce the risk of obesity
- Lower blood pressure and cholesterol
- Decrease the risk of chronic disease
Outdoor Exercise can:
- Reduce stress
- Improve brain function
- Increase Vitamin D levels
Learn about the ways you can get your exercise and reduce the risk of disease in your local parks and gardens—all for free!
Congratulations on making the decision to improve your physical and mental health with outdoor activity! Please fill out the attached form so that we may help you on your journey. By registering, you will receive our monthly Parks and Gardens newsletter, as well as, health information, tips and activities. Neither NHC Parks and Gardens nor City of Wilmington Parks and Recreation will have access to any medical information from healthcare providers or other community partners by your participation in the program.
Congratulations on making the decision to improve your physical and mental health with outdoor activity! Fill out the attached form to register as a Park Rx participant. By registering, you will receive our monthly Parks and Gardens newsletter, as well as, health information, tips and activities. Neither NHC Parks and Gardens nor City of Wilmington Parks and Recreation will have access to any medical information from healthcare providers or other community partners by your participation in the program.
Studies have shown that spending time in natural environments increases physical activity, and physical activity reduces the risk for obesity and many chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and certain cancers. Spending time in nature also decreases anxiety and negative thinking and lowers levels of depression and stress.
Public parks have long been an underutilized healthcare resource. Parks facilities are open to people of all abilities, ages, socio-economic backgrounds and ethnicities and best of all—they're absolutely free. With the rising cost of healthcare as a barrier for many, public parks can be the perfect solution to building a healthier community.
New Hanover County Parks and Gardens and City of Wilmington Parks and Recreation are partnering with area healthcare providers, public health agencies and other groups to help build a healthier New Hanover County by encouraging citizens to get outside and exercise!
If you are interested in partnering us to promote physical activity and improve the health of your patients through the Park Prescriptions program, email Jodi Rich or call 910-798-7629.