Ottawa County Parks, along with the City of Holland, Holland Charter Township, Park Township, Laketown Township, and the Outdoor Discovery Center are partnering with a non-profit organization, Park Rx America, and the Holland Hospital Physical Hospital Organization (PHO) to bring nature prescriptions to patients in the Holland-area.

Thanks to two incredibly helpful volunteers, Ottawa County Parks was able to play a major role in this project. Kyle Morrison, a pre-med student, input all of the Ottawa County Park data into this system. Dr. Barb W. Brown, one of our newest volunteers, coordinated efforts with four local municipalities to ensure their park data was included. With their help, over 80 parks are available to local doctors to prescribe.

Why does this matter?
Due to the influx of recent studies uncovering the science behind the healing power of nature, healthcare is changing. Parks advocates know, anecdotally, that time outside helps us feel happier and healthier. With data to back that up, doctors are getting behind the movement to get more people outside more often. The Park Rx America platform will help doctors, who may not know the parks inside and out, connect their patients to a park that is a good fit for them. We hope more local doctor’s offices in the area embrace this system.

Read the full press release here.

Volunteers matter!
We are grateful for the thousands of hours our volunteers dedicate to the Parks system each year. Many of them work outside, but others help with administrative tasks and special projects like Park Rx America. No matter what your interest is, we can find a volunteer position for you. Apply online.