A season of wellness
7/3/2025 by Muse Absi, M.B.B.S., B.BiomedSc, M.P.H., and Brian Lynch, M.D.
Summer in Olmsted County is more than just sunshine and warm weather. It's a season of vibrant community activities, family fun and powerful opportunities to support physical and mental well-being.
As temperatures rise and nature bursts into full bloom, residents of all ages are encouraged to step outside and take advantage of local parks, recreation programs and nature-based health initiatives.
Whether it's paddling across a lake, participating in a mindful forest walk or joining inclusive camps and aquatic programs, summer offers an abundance of ways to move more, stress less and connect deeply with nature and one another.
Outdoor recreation and water wellness in Olmsted County
From July through September, often known as the dog days of summer, Olmsted County's parks come alive with energy and engagement. Chester Woods Park is a standout destination during this time. It features a beach that is open daily and a full suite of water recreation opportunities — including kayaking, paddle boarding, paddle boating and canoeing. These activities aren't just fun in the water; they come with a wide array of health benefits. Water-based movement is low-impact but highly effective for cardiovascular health, muscle strength and joint flexibility. Being on or near water has also been linked to reduced levels of the stress hormone cortisol and improved mood.
Olmsted County Parks and Trails offers a rotating list of programs and activities throughout the summer months. These programs provide opportunities for residents to enjoy the outdoors, connect with others and improve their physical and emotional health in natural settings. Staying current with the latest offerings can be done through the county's quarterly newsletter.
Rochester Parks & Recreation: 50 Years of Inclusive Wellness: This summer marks a major milestone for the City of Rochester's AccessABLE Recreation Program, which is celebrating its 50th year. Initially launched in 1975, this program supports people with cognitive and developmental disabilities by offering inclusive activities such as summer day camps, adaptive swimming, sports and social events. Such programs go beyond recreation — they promote independence, improve physical health and reduce social isolation, a key factor in chronic disease and mental health risk.
Rochester also boasts an impressive range of aquatic facilities. From the updated Soldiers Field Aquatic Center, complete with lazy rivers, splash pads, slides and climbing walls, to the serene swim spots at Foster Arend Beach and Cascade Lake Beach, the city makes it easy to cool off while staying active. Swimming is one of the best forms of aerobic exercise for people of all ages and fitness levels. It strengthens the heart, enhances lung capacity, supports mobility and helps reduce anxiety and depression.
In addition to current facilities, future investments are being made to improve accessibility and enjoyment. The Silver Lake Pool is undergoing complete reconstruction, with a brand-new pool and splash pad scheduled to open in 2026. Similar renovations for the McQuillan Sports Complex are planned, contributing to long-term public health infrastructure.
Nature as a healing space: State Park programs and forest therapy
State Parks in southeastern Minnesota also play a central role in promoting wellness through nature education and therapeutic outdoor experiences. At Frontenac State Park, the "Nature Explorers" series offers young children (ages 3–6) the chance to engage in storytelling, crafts and nature discovery. Early exposure to nature fosters curiosity, creativity and resilience. Studies have shown that children who regularly play in natural environments demonstrate reduced symptoms of ADHD, improved emotional regulation, and stronger problem-solving skills.
Forest Bathing Walks provide a guided, sensory-rich experience in nature for adults and older youth. Led by certified guide and naturalist Sara Holger, these slow, mindful walks help participants reconnect with the natural world and themselves. Forest bathing originates from the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku and has been shown to lower blood pressure, improve immune function, reduce anxiety and boost mood. Scheduled walks occur throughout the region, including at Whitewater State Park, Frontenac State Park and Krueger State Forest Unit/Campground, part of the Richard J. Dorer Memorial State Hardwood Forest.
Community-based mental health: Nature and mindfulness at Zumbro Valley
Nature's healing power extends into clinical settings, too. At Zumbro Valley Health Center in Rochester, nature-based mindfulness walks are integrated into outpatient Health and Wellness Services. These walks encourage participants to slow down, observe their surroundings and notice internal shifts in breathing, heart rate, thoughts and emotions. Clients benefit from improved self-awareness, reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, and better stress management. This holistic model of care aligns well with emerging research showing that nature exposure can significantly enhance mental and emotional well-being, especially when paired with therapeutic support.
A season to thrive: Health, nature and community connection
Summer in Olmsted County is a season rich with opportunity — not only for fun but for healing, growth and connection. Whether through water recreation, adaptive sports, forest walks or natural mindfulness, each program and park offer a path to improved health. Residents are encouraged to take full advantage of these resources while the sun shines and the trails are green. In doing so, they'll make memories and invest in their long-term wellness, building habits and community ties that can last all yearlong.
As the days get longer and the outdoors call out louder, let this summer be one of movement, mindfulness and meaningful connection — with ourselves, nature and our neighbors.
Muse Abdi, M.B.B.S., B.BiomedSc, M.P.H., has a background in medicine and leads nature-based health initiatives, including Park Rx/Exercise is Medicine, Healing Forest and the cultural liaison program in the parks under the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) grant. He facilitates the SE MN Park Rx Coalition, a key component of the Park Initiative. He also leads health equity and community engagement efforts through SHIP, including the MOVE (Mobilizing Olmsted Voices for Equity) project.
Brian A. Lynch, M.D., is a primary care pediatrician at Mayo Family Clinic Northwest in Rochester. He co-chairs the Primary Care Work Group of the Mayo Clinic Obesity Council and chairs the Primary Care Obesity Task Force. Dr. Lynch works closely with the Southeast Minnesota Park Rx Team to promote the physical and mental health benefits of spending time in nature with his patients and colleagues.