Parks Prescription

The purpose of the Parks Prescription Program is to increase the number of healthcare providers that prescribe time in nature at parks. Spending time in nature has shown to improve physical and mental wellness and help prevent and manage chronic conditions. The program is a free intervention that uses parks to positively influence health outcomes

Austin Parks and Recreation invests in the health of our community. Over years, scientific study consistently affirms what Austin Parks and Recreation 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

Nature's Side Effects


Better Mood	Improved Heart Health	Increased Energy	Social Engagement

Improved Memory	Improved Sleep	Longer Life	Reduction of Pain

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.

Existing Parks Prescription Programs

Developing a Parks Prescription Program for your Community

Parks Prescription Canada

ParksRx.org

Park Prescription Materials

PARD Prescription Toolkit

Prescription pad

Prescription pad en Español

Prescription pad fillable

Prescription pad fillable en Español

Youth Prescription pad

Youth Prescription pad en Español

Nature Benefits Poster Series

Nature Benefits Posters Series en Español

Parks Prescription Newsletters

Park Activities

My Austin Parks Guide

The My Austin Parks Guide is a map to local parks with 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) Guia en Español

My Austin Parks (MAP) Guide in Chinese - 中文

My Austin Parks (MAP) Guide in Vietnamese

My Austin Parks (MAP) Guide in English

My Austin Parks (MAP) Guide in Korean - 한국어

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.