Nature and play have a great impact on children’s physical, emotional and behavioral health. Being outside improves health and well-being, strengthens communities, and makes neighborhoods better places to live, work and play. The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, and other community partners have teamed up to create Pittsburgh Parks Prescription, or Parks Rx, inviting children (and adults) in every neighborhood to explore and enjoy their local parks.
“When schools, community, parks professionals and health partners join forces with families for the common goal of healthier kids, it is a powerful thing,” said Gavin White, Community Outreach Coordinator for the Parks Conservancy. “Every day we see the health benefits of getting kids outside on a regular basis, from reduced blood pressure and a reduction in risk for childhood weight problems, to increased muscle strength, improved mood and overall health.”
Pittsburgh Parks Rx prescribers include family doctors and clinics, school nurses, teachers, and physical education instructors, and community organizations. Each Pittsburgh Parks Rx participant receives materials custom-designed for them that assist in finding activities in all seasons in a park near them, ongoing contact with their Pittsburgh Parks Rx prescriber, and opportunities to engage with other Pittsburgh Parks Rx kids in their neighborhood.
For resources and downloadable materials, or to indicate that your child, school or community group would like to be involved with Pittsburgh Parks Rx, please visit www.pittsburghparks.org/rx.
Five fun ways to get outside:
1. Come to the brand-new Frick Environmental Centerfor family fun, entertainment and environmental education program samplers.
2. Visit the new, fully ADA-accessible August Wilson Park in the Hill District and see quotes by August Wilson, photographs by Teenie Harris, plus a multi-age playground, half-basketball court and incredible views.
3. After dusk, see a star constellation glow in the grass in the Mellon Walled Garden at Mellon Park.
4. Look for Pokémon in a park new you.
5. Go to Kids Day in Schenley Plaza, Sunday, September 11 from noon–4 p.m. for special outdoor kid activities and fun.