Parks are important resources for public health

Sarah Eichberger<eichber2@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension -

Seven elements for a “complete park.”

Michigan is home to over 100 state parks, five national parks and miles of scenic trails. As a resident of northwest lower Michigan, I have the privilege of enjoying the rolling dunes, lush forests and clear waters of the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore – voted the “Most Beautiful Place” by ABC’s Good Morning America in 2011. Parks provide an opportunity to explore nature and connect with the rich culture and history of a region. In addition to their natural beauty, parks provide communities with opportunities for health promotion and chronic disease prevention.

The Complete Parks Playbook, a recent publication by ChangeLab Solutions, outlines seven elements of a complete park system. The publication targets a variety of stakeholder groups such as local government officials, community-based organizations or commission boards that serve to help create or advise park policy. An objective of the resource is to help inform these stakeholder groups of the impact that land use policy decisions have on public health. As noted in the foreword of the publication, “...parks, recreation, and open spaces provide a potent strategy for the treatment and prevention of weight-gain, obesity, and diabetes epidemics, and various chronic health problems.”

Connect, fund, locate, grow, activate, protect and engage – the seven elements needed for a complete park are defined and explained to how they each play a critical role in the life of a fully utilized community space. Key resources are noted throughout, as well as examples from communities to help illustrate each of the elements.

Summer is a great time to enjoy your local park. Consider taking a look at the Complete Parks Playbook to help ensure the sustainability and function of these health promoting community assets. In addition, help celebrate the 100th birthday of the National Park Service by exploring national parks near you. Visit FindYourPark.com to learn more.

Visit the Michigan State University Extension website for information on health, nutrition and chronic disease management and prevention. For programs in your community contact your local MSU Extension.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

Did you find this article useful?

You Might Also Be Interested In

Tag List
  • adult physical activity,
  • chronic disease,
  • community,
  • family,
  • food & health,
  • kids physical activity,
  • msu extension,
  • physical activity,
  • senior physical activity
Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).