By Kathy Chouteau
In serious need of some outside time? The City of Richmond has just the remedy, with its “Park Rx Day” April 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Nicholl Park.
“Join us for a day with nature at the park to improve your health and well-being,” said organizers about the event.
The day in nature will include family games, interactive activities like relay races, free Zumba classes, and more. Community members can also chat with a healthcare professional and learn about local resources available to them. Community members can even enjoy a picnic in the park with the free lunch that will be offered.
On the heels of the worldwide pandemic, mental and physical health took a hit in the U.S., underscoring the need for a Park Rx Day.
At least four-in-ten of adults in the U.S. (41 percent) experienced high levels of psychological distress at some point during the pandemic, according to Pew Research Center surveys conducted at the time. More sobering is the pandemic’s impact on youth, with nearly 75 percent of U.S. people aged 18 to 24 reporting one or more adverse mental or behavioral health symptoms during the pandemic, reported by Statista’s Research Department.
Add to that increased sedentary behavior and stress-related physical symptoms that were commonly reported, as well as the everyday prevalence of online obsessions, suffice to say that everyone could benefit from some “Park Rx” in nature as a remedy.
Find the City’s Park Rx Day at Nicholl Park, 3230 Macdonald Ave. in Richmond. Want to host an activity or resource table? Contact organizers at (510) 620-6793.
