A walk in the park is the first step to a healthier lifestyle.

Time spent in nature improves people’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing in so many ways that a stroll through the meadows and woods of the Metroparks might be the prescription for a happier, healthier life.

Mercy Health and Metroparks Toledo have collaborated for several years to bring innovative, healthy experiences to the community. The next phase of the ongoing partnership begins with a special event to introduce a variety of outdoor activities.

Outdoor Discovery Day Presented by Mercy Health, Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. at Side Cut Metropark in Maumee, is an opportunity to sample outdoor activities such as kayaking, archery and tree climbing, as well as a variety of community health resources in a free, festival-style atmosphere. Adaptive equipment and trained instructors will be available to make the activities accessible to people of all abilities.

Reduced stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, improved cardiovascular health, a boosted immune system and increased physical activity are among the benefits of nature. Increased concentration, improved mood, enhanced creativity and problem-solving skills, better sleep and mindfulness are other benefits that have been attributed to an outdoor lifestyle.

“I think we have always known intuitively that spending time outdoors is beneficial to our health,” said Dave Zenk, executive director of Metroparks Toledo. “Today, there is research to back up the idea that nature is good medicine, and conversely, being away from nature is detrimental to our health.”

In his groundbreaking book “Last Child in the Woods,” 25 years ago, author Richard Louv coined the term “nature deficit disorder” to describe the idea that reduced time spent in nature, especially for children, can lead to a variety of negative consequences. While NDD is not a medical diagnosis, the medical community has also recognized the many connections between nature and wellness.

The Mercy Health-Metroparks initiative aims to address critical community health priorities such as mental and behavioral health, chronic disease and healthy weight management by harnessing the proven health benefits of nature.

In 2020, 30% of Lucas County adults reported frequent anxiety, 39% had high blood pressure, and 38% were obese, underscoring the need for accessible wellness solutions. Research shows that time in nature reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and supports healthy weight, making this partnership a step towards a healthier community.

Over the next two years, Metroparks and Mercy Health will build the foundation for a robust nature-as-medicine program and develop a framework to measure health outcomes.

“Mental health is just as essential as physical well-being, and in recent years, the need for proactive mental health support has never been more evident. As a healthcare provider, we see the impact of stress, anxiety, and isolation every day—and we also see how connection, movement, and mindfulness can change lives,” said Bob Baxter, president, Mercy Health - Toledo. “Nature is one of the most powerful, yet often overlooked, tools we have to support mental and physical health. That’s why we’re excited to partner with Metroparks Toledo—to help our community step into nature and discover the many ways the outdoors can promote healing and happiness.”

The collaboration will take several forms such as a monthly Mind, Body & Spirit program series, featuring Metroparks-led experiences in nature designed to promote mental clarity, reduce stress and support physical wellness. These programs will continue year-round and will be free and accessible to all. Mercy Health will pilot a group of primary care physicians and mental and community health professionals who will design programs to align with community needs.

The initiative is a continuation of a multi-year partnership begun in 2017. Since then, five FitParks by Mercy Health have been added to the Metroparks: an outdoor gym at Wildwood Preserve, a mountain bike skills course at Oak Openings Preserve, a kayak facility at Farnsworth, pickleball courts at Pearson and a portable climbing wall used at Metroparks and community events.

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Photo: Mike Keedy and Dr. Shannon Hughes of Metroparks and Jessica Henry, director of community health for Mercy Health, during a media event to announce the next steps in the partnership

Top photo: Walkers at Oak Openings Preserve