ParkRx: Prescribing Nature for Better Health

December 17, 2025 - HALLOWELL -

Healthy Communities of the Capital Area (HCCA), through its Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Program, is leading innovative efforts to integrate wellness and prevention into everyday life across Maine. Under the coordination of Sarah Young, CHES Ⓡ, the HEAL Program promotes environments and policies that make healthy eating and active living accessible for all.

One of HCCA’s most inspiring initiatives under this umbrella is the ParkRx Program—a statewide collaboration that’s transforming how health centers and care providers approach wellness. By connecting patients to the natural spaces and recreational resources around them, ParkRx helps integrate physical activity, mental health, and community engagement into personalized medical care plans.

Through partnerships with local parks, local institutes of higher education, and healthcare institutions, ParkRx empowers clinicians and care providers to “prescribe” time in nature—an evidence-based approach proven to reduce stress, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance overall quality of life.

Since its introduction to HEAL programming, the ParkRx Program has seen remarkable growth and adoption in Kennebec County. Health professionals and educators have embraced the model, incorporating park-based activities as part of holistic care and prevention strategies.

• Thomas College was among the first to adopt ParkRx, weaving the program into both student and employee wellness initiatives. Staff at the Thomas College Student Health Center have collaborated with HCCA and other campus entities to create easy access to nearby trails, fitness sessions, and wellness challenges that encourage regular use of local parks.
  
  

• Colby College followed closely after Thomas, integrating ParkRx into student wellness and counseling programs. The college leveraged its strong environmental ethos to promote mindfulness, outdoor exercise, and social connection as tools for managing stress and supporting student success.

• The Augusta Teen Center was the next site to sign on, supporting 6 youth in their first month of implementation. Chris Maloney, Augusta Teen Center Director, shares "We had three boys who needed to walk a bit before they could focus on their school work. An hour outside helped a lot." 
  

• MaineGeneral Geriatric Care most recently implemented the ParkRx model to support older adults in maintaining mobility, mental sharpness, and social connection. By pairing gentle outdoor activities with clinical care plans, the program has helped improve mood, physical endurance, and quality of life for many seniors in the community.
  

Early results, via qualitative data collection, from these partnerships show that ParkRx is making a measurable difference:

• Participants report improved mood, reduced anxiety, and greater motivation to stay active.
  
  

• Providers find that integrating nature-based activity enhances adherence to care plans and fosters meaningful conversations about preventive health.
  
  

• Community parks benefit from stronger engagement and visibility, reinforcing the value of shared green spaces in promoting community health.
  
  

With proven success at Colby College, Thomas College, The Augusta Teen Center, and MaineGeneral’s Geriatric Care, the ParkRx Program is poised for broader adoption across Maine. As healthcare continues to evolve toward whole-person, preventive approaches, ParkRx offers a simple but powerful prescription: time in nature.

Through the leadership of Healthy Communities of the Capital Area, ParkRx is redefining how communities think about health—proving that sometimes, the best medicine is just a walk in the park.

To learn more about Healthy Eating & Active Living Programs, please message Sarah at s.young@hccame.org.