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S5 Episode 02: Nature Therapy

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Physical therapist Dr. Allison Mitch discusses health benefits of spending time in nature for both adults and children.

This episode is part of Series 5: Nature and Health.  For a list of ParkTalk episodes and series visit https://www.napervilleparks.org/PODCASTS.  

Quote from the episode:

"Research coming out of the public health domain suggests that zip code is more important than genetic code, so that should give you a sense of how profoundly connected human health is to the environment.” - Dr. Allison Mitch

For more information:

View a video, "A Healthy Dose of Nature," that features nature prescriptions and the health benefits of walking in the woods or spending time out in nature: https://interactive.wttw.com/urbannature/healthy-dose-nature#!/

New research shows connection between green space and cardiovascular health:
https://psmag.com/environment/being-in-nature-makes-your-heart-healthier

Allison’s blog:  http://wildwomaninthesuburbs.com/what-is-nature-therapy/

Suggested books:

There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather: A Scandinavian Mom's Secrets for Raising Healthy, Resilient, and Confident Kid. McGurk

Last Child in the Woods. Richard Louv

Vitamin N. Richard Louv

How to Raise a Wild Child. Scott Sampson

Balanced and Barefoot. Angela Hanscom

The Nature Fix. Florence Williams

Ideas for how and where to spend time in nature in the western suburbs of Chicago:

Photo from Aug. 2018 Rx for Nature Festival at Knoch Knolls Nature Center

Connect your business’s brand with a well-known and respected one like the Naperville Park District’s and reach a large, active and diverse audience.

To learn more about our sponsorship opportunities contact
Stacey Fontechia Sales and Sponsorship Manager at 630-848-3575 or at sfontechia@napervilleparks.org.

Looking for an opportunity to have a positive impact on people’s lives while building a fun and dynamic career? Consider the Naperville Park District! It takes all kinds of skills, knowledge and talent to serve the recreation needs of the Naperville community. If you’re passionate about the outdoors, staying active, having fun and encouraging others to do the same, then check out our part-time and full-time career opportunities.

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Funds raised through the Naperville Parks Foundation support the Naperville Park District’s Fee Assistance Program. The Naperville Parks Foundation supports the recreation needs and desires of the residents of Naperville – encouraging health and wellness, fitness, family time, and fun. The Foundation supports the mission of making recreation of all kinds accessible to everyone across the community, regardless of socioeconomic circumstances.

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320. W. Jackson Ave.
Naperville, IL 60540
630-848-5000
info@napervilleparks.org
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On Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2011 Naperville Park District officials heard the good news for which they have been waiting for many months: the District has achieved national accreditation through the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA).

The decision was announced at the NRPA national conference in Atlanta following a formal hearing before the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA).

Naperville is only the second park district in Illinois to earn this distinction and the 104th nationally accredited agency in the nation; there are more than 10,000 recreation agencies in the United States. The Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies accredits a handful of park agencies each year that have completed a multi-step process involving a self-review by the agency, a site visit, and an evaluation and formal report by the Commission.

“We are extremely proud to bring this honor to Naperville,” said Park District Executive Director Ray McGury. “It’s an affirmation of our high standards and also an encouragement to continue bringing high quality recreation and parks experiences to our community.”

The Park District’s accreditation process began approximately one year ago and included an extensive self-evaluation by staff and a 5-day visit from CAPRA reviewers this past July. Maintaining the accreditation requires annual reports and 5- and 10-year reviews.

Park District staff members noted that the CAPRA process has helped them see the big picture, focus on long term goals and plans, review plans more regularly, organize documents so that they are accessible and useable, and collaborate more effectively with other departments and outside organizations.

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Our Mission
We provide recreation and park experiences that promote healthy lives, healthy minds and a healthy community.
 
Our Vision
To be a national leader in parks and recreation providing and promoting high quality experiences and facilities at a great value to our community.
 
Core Values
Health and Wellness, Environmental Education, Stewardship and Sustainability, Community Enrichment, Public Safety, Accessibility, Personal Growth and Enrichment.
Mission, Vision and Core Values of the Naperville Park District
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