Healthy Parks, Healthy People

Healthy Parks, Healthy People in Caroline County begins its eighth year of providing free and low-cost programs. No gym fees or memberships are required to join. Activities at Martinak and Tuckahoe State Park are designed to improve or maintain your health, while enjoying the fresh air and the natural beauty of the area. In addition, friendly faces are always willing to walk, hike, paddle or cycle with you. The state parks in Caroline County and the parks in western Maryland were the only parks selected to participate in this initiative several years ago.

Healthy Parks, Healthy People, (HPHP) began with the National Park Service, (NPS) in the United States, and it is a global movement. According to the NPS, HPHP harnesses the power of parks and public lands as a health resource to advance the fact that all parks are cornerstones of people’s physical, mental, and spiritual health, social wellbeing, and sustainability of the planet. Maryland Park Service follows these same principles but has encouraged partnerships with other organizations within the areas.

Locally, one unique partnership is with the Caroline County Health Department. The Caroline County Health Department refers patients to the program in order to increase their level of physical activity and to improve their health and well-being. The local Health Departments assist the parks in providing helpful tips, displays, programs, and health-related messages. In addition, Adkins Arboretum and Caroline County Recreation and Parks continue to support this program.

The state goal of HPHP is to increase the physical activity for community members in stress-relieving outdoor settings. Exercising outdoors in a beautiful park is a great way to relax and connect with nature. Participants in the programs are encouraged to continue with their exercise regime and add new activities that are available in the parks with hope the rates of chronic conditions such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes and depression will decrease with the result that people will live longer and healthier lives.

A variety of free programs are offered throughout the year. Examples of a few of the programs are the Martinak Morning Walk on Tuesday and Thursday at 10:30 AM, which is offered year round. Winter and Spring hiking is offered weekly, regionally and monthly in the summer at Tuckahoe State Park. Evening Cycle is on Thursday at 5:30 PM and longer monthly Saturday rides are scheduled. A Meetup Kayak Group meets once a month on Tuesday evening. These are just a few of the programs Martinak and Tuckahoe State Parks offer. There are so many more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors while staying healthy.

To learn more about HPHP or to sign up for the weekly schedule, email: karen.gianninoto@maryland.gov. To access the current calendar, use this link: Martinak State Park