Every summer recreation and parks workers across British Columbia celebrate June is Recreation and Parks Month (JRPM)—and this year, the BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA) is collaborating with PaRx to raise awareness about the many health benefits of spending time in nature!

The BCRPA is encouraging its 4500+ recreation and parks members to mark JRPM by organizing events in nature to support their health and the health of their communities. JRPM is celebrated annually as an opportunity to recognize and promote recreation and parks as essential to the health and wellness of all British Columbians.

“We are thrilled to be working with PaRx to support our members to connect to better health through spending time in nature,” says Katie Fenn, CEO of BCRPA. “We know that being connected to one another, being physically active, and spending time outside in our beautiful parks and green spaces is a powerful way to improve your health and celebrate June as Recreation and Parks Month.”

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The BCRPA, a not-for-profit organization, plays a central role in leading enrichment and improvement of the quality of life of British Columbians and their communities. They do this by championing the power of recreation and parks. Through their initiatives they create community connectedness and individual well-being based on the knowledge and recognition that recreation and active living, as well as access to parks and the natural environment, have significant impacts on our physical and mental health.

“When I prescribe nature, key factors in my patients’ ability to fill their nature prescriptions successfully are knowing where to go and what to do outdoors,” says Dr. Melissa Lem, Director of PaRx. “Recreation and parks workers play an incredibly valuable part in bridging that gap. PaRx could not be more delighted to partner with BCRPA to activate and engage communities across British Columbia to head outside for their health this June.”

In collaboration with PaRx, a new toolkit was released for JRPM2023 that includes concise fact sheets about the health benefits of nature, and easy ideas for activities to help connect people to nature for their health and well-being.

One of the toolkit's resources is a worksheet that guides individuals to design their own nature habit, including setting a weekly green time goal and tips for how to incorporate and prioritize nature time into their everyday lifestyle.

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From nature scavenger hunts and picnics to planting vegetable gardens and photo contests, communities across BC are taking ideas from the toolkit and hosting outdoor activities to highlight the health benefits of nature and champion the PaRx program. Our collaboration has even sparked formation of new working groups within Recreation and Parks Departments to incorporate more nature-based activities into routine programming.

As Canada’s national nature prescription program and champions of nature as a health-based intervention, PaRx is thrilled to collaborate on this wonderful summer initiative.

See you outside!

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