What is ParkRx?
ParkRx is an international movement to prescribe parks, nature and programming to improve health.
The local effort, called ParkRxSanta-CruzCounty, is staffed in-kind by Santa Cruz County Public Health’s CalFresh Healthy Living Program, County Park Friends, and Watsonville Parks and Community Services, who came together to address the desire for more equitable park programming and to help steward amazing local parks and beaches as key drivers of health and equity.
ParkRxSCC programs are healing activities in the outdoors, prescribed and offered for free. The programs are found and designed to match the patents needs because spending time outdoors can support the health of the body and mind.
In fact, research shows that spending 2 hours outdoors a week can improve your health!
ParkRX Santa Cruz County is available through Salud Para La Gente and Santa Cruz Community Health. Ask your provider about ParkRx.
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Wheelin’ Bball
In 2022, County Park Friends and Brenda Gutierrez started Wheelin’ Bball, a free wheelchair basketball camp for youth in Santa Cruz County at Franich Park in Watsovnille.
This initiative aims to promote outdoor recreation and community connections. It is prescribed through ParkRx, but it is also free and open to the public.
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Nature Hikes
As part of the ParkRx program, patients are prescribed Nature Hikes and get to explore various locations in Santa Cruz County, guided by County Park Friends staff.
Hikes feature state parks, county parks, and stunning state beaches, including Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Forest of Nisene Marks, Quail Hollow County Park and Seacliff State Beach.
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For information, see www.countyparkfriends.org/parkrx.htm