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As we head toward the end of summer and children return to school, park and recreation professionals reflect on what they learned this season and how they can support their communities moving forward. As providers committed to holistic wellness, park and recreation professionals advance each of the seven dimensions of well-being: social, cultural, physical, economic, emotional, environmental and intellectual. At NRPA, we are refining our new strategic plan, plotting the course for the next five years and outlining how we want to drive excellence in our field. We are committed to advancing each dimension of well-being for people nationwide by equipping park and recreation professionals with the tools, knowledge and skills needed to build just, resilient and healthy communities.

Park and recreation leaders can take steps to enhance the wellness of their teams and patrons by incorporating elements of nature into their workspaces. In this month’s Health and Wellness column, “Biophilia: Connecting Participants and Staff With Nature,” contributors Amber Collins and Michael A. Mulvaney, Ph.D., explain how using a biophilic framework in workspace design — for example, incorporating natural elements like plants and natural light, as well as architectural elements reminiscent of the shapes, lines and structures found in nature — helps to enhance the mood and well-being of those within the space. What’s more, park and recreation professionals can integrate biophilia principles into their programming spaces and activities. They can encourage time in nature by offering safe, guided outdoor experiences that put participants at ease in outdoor spaces. According to Collins and Mulvaney, “Programs that create safe, controlled environments for participants to interact with nature can help alleviate potential fears about outdoor spaces while also fostering a greater understanding and appreciation for their relationship with the natural world.” The importance of connecting with nature cannot be understated, and park and recreation agencies should cultivate an appreciation for the natural spaces within their communities.

City of Normal, Illinois, is embracing biophilia through its new nature play park, which opened in fall 2023. Author Paula M. Jacoby-Garrett shares how designers, community members, and park and recreation professionals created a unique community space in the article, “Nature Play Is Totally Normal!” The new playground blends into the landscape with trees, paths and play elements that mimic the colors and shapes found in nature. The community participated in the design process, and local children created fish-themed art to include in a “mosaic ‘river’” that is now the parks’ centerpiece, Jacoby-Garrett writes. Not only did local students and school staff contribute creatively, but also they learned valuable lessons about conservation and stewardship by taking part in planting trees and shrubs around the park. “This hands-on involvement fostered a sense of ownership and pride among the students, as they could see the direct impact of their efforts on the park’s development. It also provided an educational experience, teaching them about environmental stewardship and the importance of green spaces,” according to Jacoby-Garrett. When park and recreation professionals focus on promoting each dimension of well-being and connecting people with the benefits of recreation, play, creativity and time outdoors, we can build strong, resilient communities together.

Jesús Aguirre is Chair of the NRPA Board of Directors.