Being in nature is increasingly recognized as a powerful form of preventive medicine. Our TRACK Rx program is helping healthcare providers turn that idea into action. TRACK Rx, developed through the Kids in Parks program
So far, Oregon Parks Forever has placed 30 TRACK trails throughout Oregon toward our goal of having 100, and two in SW Washington. We are pleased to report that Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, the Oregon Pediatric Society, and the Oregon Academy of Family Practice Physicians have endorsed the program and are encouraging doctors and school nurses to prescribe outdoor time on a TRACK Trail.
To see a list of currently available TRACK Trails, click here.
Rather than relying solely on medication or screen-based wellness programs, TRACK Rx promotes time spent walking trails, exploring parks, and engaging in physical activity outdoors. Research shows that spending time in nature can improve mental health, reduce stress, and encourage physical movement.
Pediatricians, Family Practice Doctors and School Nurses can now “prescribe” time outdoors on Track Trails hikes and get electronic feedback when their patients register their hikes to get prizes. Contact Erin Voss at evoss@brpfoundation.org if you would like to set this up for your practice.
In 2008, Dr. Olson Huff, a renowned pediatrician in North Carolina, had a visionary idea—the creation of a hiking program designed to get kids active outdoors and reengaged with nature. Dr. Huff presented his vision to the leadership teams at the Blue Ridge Parkway, Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation, and he encouraged them to work together to design a program that encouraged families to utilize the trails along the Parkway as a resource for their health. A short time later, the idea came to fruition with the creation of Kids in Parks.
As one of the only health-related nature programs in the country with data demonstrating results, the program has been endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, recognized by the White House with a “Let’s Move! Champion of Change” award and reviewed favorably as a practice-tested intervention by the Center for Training and Research Translation, a program funded by the Center for Disease Control. After only a few years, the Kids in Parks program is now supported by a strong partnership of private and public groups investing together for the health of our parks and our children.
One of the greatest benefits of nature prescriptions is their positive impact on physical health. Children and adults who spend more time outdoors are more likely to engage in regular exercise, which can reduce obesity and increase overall fitness. TRACK Rx specifically focuses on encouraging nature-based physical activity through guided outdoor experiences. Studies evaluating the program found that participants increased their time outdoors and became more physically active after receiving prescriptions from healthcare professionals. By making outdoor recreation part of a healthcare plan, doctors help patients develop healthier habits that can last a lifetime.
Another advantage of TRACK Rx is that it encourages families and communities to spend time together outdoors. Parents who receive guidance from healthcare providers are often more motivated to take their children to parks, trails, and recreational spaces. Outdoor programs can create opportunities for social interaction, teamwork, and appreciation for the environment. In many cases, healthcare professionals see nature prescriptions as an affordable and accessible way to improve community health because parks and trails are available to most families at little or no cost.
As healthcare continues to evolve, programs like TRACK Rx demonstrate how nature can serve as an important part of preventive medicine. Doctors who endorse nature prescriptions understand that wellness involves more than treating illness—it also means promoting healthy lifestyles and emotional resilience. By encouraging patients to spend time outdoors, healthcare providers help reduce stress, increase physical activity, and strengthen social connections. TRACK Rx represents a growing movement in medicine that values the healing power of nature and recognizes that a walk through a park or time spent on a trail can be a meaningful step toward better overall health.
To learn more about TRACK Trails visit www.kidsinparks.com
To learn more about Oregon Parks Forever visit www.orparksforever.org