June 2023 - Parks & Recreation - 14

WE ARE PARKS AND RECREATION
Building a Healthier Chicago
Through Community Wellness Hubs
By Colleen Lammel-Harmon, MPH, R.D., CPRP, CPT
P
arks are an essential social driver and catalyst for community
health. As one of the largest park districts and providers of youth
programming nationally, Chicago Park District understands the
dire need to center health equity and meet the needs and interests
of its community members.
Parks as Health Hubs
Chicago Park District's partnership
with NRPA has advanced its commitment
to health equity and supported
diligent work to create Community
Wellness Hubs through the district's
parks. Staff use the framework to
support the agency's mission to enhance
quality of life. For decades,
Chicago Park District has formed
partnerships with health stakeholders,
including Chicago Department
of Public Health (CDPH), NRPA,
agencies, universities, hospitals and
community organizations. Recognizing
the importance of a crosssectional
approach,
the
district's
actions
must comprise workforce,
programs, partnerships and policies
that prioritize health and wellness as
a structure.
" For generations, Chicago parks
[have been] vital sources of health
and wellness opportunities, meeting
needs and interests of all residents.
During the recent pandemic, parks
remained open to residents seeking
respite and physical activity
in a safe manner, " says Chicago
Park District General Superintendent
and CEO Rosa
Escareño. " As we look forward
to the future, we are committed to
increasing and prioritizing wellness
and health equity across all communities.
From our work supporting
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neighborhood gardens and farms;
providing
over
600,000
healthy
meals to youth; strengthening bonds
with health and wellness partners; to
enhancing program accessibility and
inclusivity, we are committed to taking
bold steps to build an even stronger,
healthier Chicago. "
Parks as Places for
Physical Activity
Despite research showing the
health benefits of physical activity,
most U.S. adults and children are
not active enough. Following the
Move Your Way®
campaign, Chicago
Park District's programs aim
to incorporate at least 60 minutes
of moderate to vigorous physical
activity (MVPA) in out-of-school
time (OST) programs in an effort to
reduce chronic disease. The Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention
recommends at least 60 minutes of
MVPA for youth daily, while aiming
for 150 minutes weekly for adults.
The agency's established partnership
with Lurie Children's Hospital exemplifies
the importance of research
to create evidence-based curricula to
increase MVPA in youth.
As staff members encourage residents
of all ages to live active, healthy
lives, it's critical that they address
their employees' health needs. Dedication
to employee health is vital, and
departments must invest internally to
get results externally. For instance, the
agency's Employee Health Policy offers
free fitness center access, lap swim
and park fitness classes. Externally,
the Fitness Rx program offers adult
patrons
compensated
three-month
fitness center membership for those
who present a prescription for obesityrelated
disease.
Parks as Drivers of Food
Equity and Access
The Chicago Park District's Healthy
Food Environment and Park User
Wellness Policy demonstrated a collaborative
strategy, which underscores
the district's obligation
to support healthy living in all
communities. This commitment
encompasses stocking
vending machines with healthy
options and making nutritious food
available to order. As 1 in 5 youth
who enter parks face food insecurity,
access to healthy federal food
June 2023 - Parks & Recreation

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