Province Participating in Healthy Parks Healthy People Movement
Ontario has joined the world-wide Healthy Parks Healthy People movement and is encouraging everyone to visit a provincial park to improve their health. Ontario’s provincial parks will be open to the public free of charge on July 17 this year for all day-use visitors.
Started in Australia, Healthy Parks Healthy People reinforces and encourages the connections between a healthy environment and a healthy society.
Research shows access to nature and green space plays a vital role in physical and mental health, wellbeing and development:
- Contact with nature has been found to lower blood pressure, strengthen the immune system, help fight disease and reduce stress.
- Activities done in a natural environment reduce anger, fatigue and sadness compared to the same activities in a human-made environment.
- Communities with more green space have lower rates of crime and violence.
- Incorporating physical activity into your day can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke, prevent high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer.
With more than 330 provincial parks in Ontario, our province’s natural spaces are the perfect places for fun and healthy activities.
To help get people active and outdoors, many parks will be offering a number of fun activities on July 17, and throughout the year. Healthy Parks Healthy People day events include:
Event Name: Ranger Ramble
Date: July 17, 2015 to July 17, 2015
Location: Trillium Trail – by Parking lot F on the day-use side. 1219 Burloak Drive.
Description: Make a meaningful connection with Nature as you enjoy a guided tour of the Trillium Trail with Park Naturalist Andrew. 10am – 11:00am
Event Name: Ask the Ranger
Date: July 17, 2015 to July 17, 2015
Location: Recreation Complex in the Pool Courtyard. Parking lot C or D.
Description: Stop by the Recreation Complex to explore a selection of interesting, hands-on props. Speak to a knowledgeable Park Naturalist to ask your questions about the park, wildlife sights and more. 11:00am – 12:00
Event Name: Hands-on-Heritage
Date: July 17, 2015 to July 17, 2015
Location: Spruce Lane Farm closest to Parking lot F on the day-use side of park. 1219 Burloak Drive.
Description:Have you always wanted to learn to play Cricket? This is your chance. All ages and skill levels welcome. Practice your “bat swing” at Spruce Lane Farm as park interpreters teach you the basic skills involved in a favorite Victorian Pastime. Cricket! 2:00 at Spruce Lane Farm.
