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To celebrate National Parks and Recreation Month, we're spotlighting the value of Healthy Site Scoring.
Parks and Recreation departments are the backbone of community wellness. They provide spaces for physical activities, social interactions, and mental relaxation. According to recent studies, communities with higher ParkScore rankings tend to have healthier populations. Residents in these communities are less likely to experience poor mental health and are more physically active. Parks offer a respite from daily routines, allowing people to immerse themselves in nature and recharge.
With more than four decades of experience building healthy communities by shaping the built environment, we've learned a thing or two about what makes an ideal public park rank high in terms of community health. As we work to incorporate a Fitness Court® within 10-minutes of every American, we have seen hundreds of Fitness Courts® become active wellness hubs, creating a contagious culture of healthy living for all residents. Our team of experts is ready to share an overview what goes into our Healthy Site Scoring process.
What makes up a Healthy Site Score?
These are some of the key elements we work with municipalities on when calculating a Healthy Site Score:
- Park Typology
- Park Activities
- Park Access
- Park Activation
- Park Movement
Building and Activating a Healthy Site at Legacy Park in Huntsville, Alabama
Huntsville, Alabama has been a trailblazer in utilizing parks and recreation spaces to promote health and wellness. In past years, Huntsville has launched initiatives during National Parks and Recreation Month to encourage community engagement and physical activity. By transforming public spaces into wellness hubs, Huntsville has created a contagious culture of healthy living. Residents are encouraged to explore their local parks, participate in outdoor fitness activities on their Fitness Court® network, and enjoy the natural beauty of their surroundings. Check out this incredible video from Huntsville Parks and Recreation showcasing the $4.6 million re-designed Legacy Park that opened to the community in June 2023.
We’re aiming to make this National Parks and Recreation Month a time of exploration, appreciation, and community engagement. Celebrate the natural wonders around us and inspire others to join in the efforts to protect and cherish these invaluable resources. Whether it's through visiting a local park, volunteering for a cleanup, or participating in fitness activities, we can all contribute to the health and wellness of our communities. Get outside, get involved, and make the most of the public spaces and parks in your community.
