The Austin Parks and Recreation Department Parks Prescription Program aims to bridge the medical community with local parks and recreation opportunities by prescribing time in nature to prevent or treat health problems.

green rectangle with white text that reads parks prescription and a pill bottle image on its side with nature spilling out

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) invests in the health of our community.  Over years, scientific study consistently affirms what PARD has observed to be true - spending time outdoors, especially in natural settings, has significant health benefits.  The benefits include both improvements to the physical and mental well-being of individuals, families and communities, as well as the environment. 

Nature is Community

green rectangle with white text that reads nature is community the parks prescription program aims to bridge the medical community with local parks and recreation by prescribing physical activity in a recreation setting to prevent or treat health problems

Nature's Side Effects

Smiley face Red heart Lightning bolt illustration of shaking hands

Better Mood

Improved Heart Health

Increased Energy

Social Engagement
Brain illustration Person in bed illustration Illustration of red heart with blue medical cross in center Illustration of a bandage

Improved Memory

Improved Sleep

Longer Life

Reduction of Pain
Nature Benefits Poster Series

Getting Started

Want to get started enjoying or prescribing the health benefits of nature? Select one of the buttons below for patients and providers to learn more.

blue rectangle with Patients written in white textgreen rectangle that reads in white text Providers
Existing Parks Prescription Programs

Developing a Parks Prescription Program for your Community

Parks Prescription Canada

ParksRx.org

Partnership

UT Pharmacy students poster presentation

Since 2018, the City of Austin Parks & Recreation Department (PARD) has been collaborating with students from the University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy on the Parks Prescription program.

UT Parks Prescription Posters

Resources

My Austin Parks Guide image with white text that reads an Austin parks and recreation guide to Austins parks and their amenities

The My Austin Parks Guide is map to local parks their amenities, ADA accessibility and transportation options.  The maps contain bus routes, bike friendly roads, and how to access the park by foot.

My Austin Parks (MAP) Guide in English
My Austin Parks (MAP) Guia en Español
My Austin Parks (MAP) Guide in Korean - 한국어
My Austin Parks (MAP) Guide in Chinese - 中文
My Austin Parks (MAP) Guide in Vietnamese

North Austin

Northeast Austin

Central Austin

South Austin

Southeast Austin

Parks Prescription Newsletters
Park Activities

Loose Parts Kits are a collection of items that are used to build and create in a free, unstructured environment that promote creativity, imagination, cooperation and communication, and fosters connection to nature and stewardship values.

Find more FREE FITNESS by visiting one of our recreation centers with exercise equipment and weight room hours, view open gym schedule & fitness room hours. Call site to confirm the schedule has not changed.