PDF: Park health resources: Benefits, values, and implications

Citation
Thomsen, J.M., Powell, R.B., & Allen, D. (2013). ‘Park health resources: Benefits, values, and implications’. Park Science 30(2):30-36.

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Summary
Society is faced with a range of mental and physical health issues. The Healthy Parks Healthy People movement seeks to increase society’s recognition of parks and protected areas as places for the promotion of physical and mental health and social wellbeing. The diversity of park areas within the National Park System makes it impossible to have a single prescribed plan for managing park resources as health resources. However, there are some common themes that can be applied to all national park settings to maximize health promotion and benefi ts, which include (1) designing programs and infrastructure for multiple outcomes, (2) managing food and beverage services to deliver healthy food and activities, and (3) forming diverse short- and long-term partnerships. This article offers case studies from diverse park settings to illustrate how managers have applied the strategies to help achieve the goals of Healthy Parks Healthy People and the “Call to Action” initiatives.

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