Kivi Park outdoor prescription program shows healthy results

Kivi Park's Nature Prescription Program provided free park passes and early survey results report wide physical and emotional benefits, including improved sleep and social connection.

Kivi Park Community Foundation is sharing early results from its Nature Prescription Program, which offers patients time in nature as part of care. Launched in June last year, the two-year pilot allows local health-care providers to prescribe free day passes to the park. Participants receive five free day passes and are encouraged to walk, relax, or be active outdoors. Park staff reviewed follow-up surveys in early February and described the results as encouraging. Key findings: - 100% of participants reported physical improvement; 83% reported feeling emotionally better. - 67% said they felt calmer and 50% noted improved sleep. - 70% reported increased social connection after park visits. - Each Nature Prescription provides five free day passes; after a follow-up survey participants receive five more passes and a discount on an annual pass. - The program launched in June last year as a two-year pilot and is supported by Move Medicine. - Kivi Park offers an Accessibility Fund and said those facing financial barriers can apply for a free annual membership. Summary: Early survey results indicate participants reported both physical and emotional benefits after spending time in Kivi Park through the Nature Prescription Program. Undetermined at this time.