Your local parks are good for your health

10/5/2026 by Muse Abdi, M.B.B.S., B.BiomedSc, M.P.H., and Brian Lynch, M.D.

There is a lot of green space around the Rochester, Minnesota, area, including parks, trails, lakes and nature centers. It's easy to drive right past them and forget they are there to use. Park Rx is a simple reminder that time outdoors is part of taking care of yourself.

The idea is simple. Your healthcare provider might suggest spending more time outside, and you can also put together a nature plan on your own. It goes along with your regular care; it doesn't replace it.

Why spending time outdoors helps

We are still learning how much time in nature helps most, and the research is stronger for some benefits than others. What is known is that parks give people places to move, rest and connect, which all matter for health, including:

Getting moving. A walk around the park, a bike ride, gardening, chasing a toddler around the playground — it all counts. The CDC recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week and that kids get about 60 minutes a day. Staying active is linked to a lower risk of many chronic conditions and a better quality of life. A park just makes it more enjoyable.
Taking a breath. Studies have found that time in nature can lower stress in the short term and may help with mood. You don't need a long hike. Ten quiet minutes outside is a good place to start.
Spending time with people. Parks are good places to see family, friends and neighbors. A walk with someone is an enjoyable way to catch up, and it can help when life feels a little isolating.
Letting kids be kids. Outdoor play gives children room to be curious and creative, and it gives families a good way to spend time together without much planning.

Finding a park that works for you

There are plenty of parks to choose from. Olmsted County's parks include Chester Woods, Oxbow, Root River and Lake Zumbro, with fishing at four county parks and trails at three. The city of Rochester has neighborhood parks and trails all over town. The county parks have a few accessibility options, including an Action Trackchair and free sensory-friendly rental kits.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing which park to visit include:

How far it is from home, work, school or a bus route.
If it offers parking, restrooms, benches, shade and drinking water.
If there are accessible paths or other mobility supports.
Which activities are available, such as playgrounds, fishing, picnic areas, trails or a nature center.
Whether you'd feel more comfortable going with family, friends or a group.

Check the Olmsted County Parks and Trails and city of Rochester Parks and Recreation websites for hours, programs and seasonal changes.

Try a guided mindful walk

If you want to try something a little different, Southeast Minnesota Park Rx offers free Mindfulness in Nature walks led by a certified forest therapy guide. They're slow and relaxed. You're not trying to cover any distance. You're just noticing what's around you — sounds, smells and how things look. It works whether you're outside every day or haven't been in a while.

Dates: Sunday, Oct. 11, and Sunday, Nov. 22.
Time: 1–2:30 p.m.
Where: Quarry Hill Nature Center, 701 Silver Creek Road NE, Rochester.
Cost: Free; all ages welcome.

Register for one or all sessions.

Make your own nature plan

You do not need an event or any special gear. Here is an easy way to put a plan together: I will [activity] at [place] for [time] on [day]. For example: “I will walk around the park near my home for 15 minutes on Saturday morning.”

Here are a few additional ideas:

Sit on a bench or under a tree.
Take a family walk, visit a playground, or have a picnic.
Fish, garden, or watch birds.
Walk with a coworker during lunch.

Pick something that feels safe and doable for you. A short visit counts. You can build from there once you figure out what you like.

Learn more

The Southeast Minnesota Nature Prescription Activity Booklet has ideas for local activities and places to try. You will find it on the Southeast Minnesota Park Rx webpage. To learn more about Park Rx beyond our area, visit Park Rx America at PRA - Nature Prescribed.

Muse Abdi, M.B.B.S., B.BiomedSc, M.P.H., is a population health specialist and SHIP strategist with Olmsted County Public Health Services. He supports the development and coordination of population health strategies that integrate nature-based approaches into public health practice. Through Minnesota’s Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP), he leads initiatives including Park Rx, Exercise is Medicine and the Healing Forest initiative, working with healthcare, public health and community partners to support the use of parks and natural spaces as part of health and wellbeing. He facilitates the Southeast Minnesota Park Rx Coalition, which brings together regional partners to advance nature-based approaches in clinical and community settings. He also supports community engagement and health improvement efforts through SHIP’s Community Leadership Team.

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.