Cincinnati Parks + Rec for Wellness: A citywide collaboration to grow healthier communities
In Cincinnati, wellness is going beyond the walls of gyms and doctors' offices — and is taking root in Cincinnati Parks.
Cincinnati Parks + Rec for Wellness is a groundbreaking initiative that is transforming public green spaces and recreation centers into powerful tools for community health.
Launched by Cincinnati Parks Foundation, the philanthropic partner to Cincinnati Parks, in collaboration with the Osher Center for Integrative Health at the University of Cincinnati, alongside Cincinnati Recreation Commission and the Cincinnati Recreation Foundation, this program delivers free, accessible wellness programming in parks and recreation spaces throughout the city.
'Parks have always been places for connection and community,' said Jennifer Hafner Spieser, president and CEO of Cincinnati Parks Foundation. 'Now, they're also places where we can move, breath, heal and grow — together.'
Anchored in partnership
This health-forward initiative is guided by four key organizations:
Cincinnati Parks Foundation serves as the fundraising and strategic backbone and program facilitator, ensuring broad access, long-term impact and continued growth.
Cincinnati Parks provides access to parks and green spaces across the city, activating them as wellness hubs.
Cincinnati Recreation Commission (CRC) and Foundation integrate wellness offerings into Rec Centers and expand reach to every neighborhood (and every neighbor).
The Osher Center for Integrative Health at the University of Cincinnati brings scientific leadership in lifestyle medicine and holistic, evidence-based wellness strategies.
Together, these partners are building a citywide model that unites nature, movement and mindfulness.
Expanding the circle of support
The program's impact is strengthened by a growing network of community collaborators and supporters, including:
The Cincinnati Parks + Rec for Wellness steering committee, including generous donors Cathy Crain and Carrie Hayden and Cincinnati Parks
Findlay Market, Metro, 1in5 and Interact for Health, who contribute outreach support and other resources.
Amy Tobin's Table, Cincy Girls Who, Emily Buckley (Get Living Guru), Riviera Run, Lincoln Ware Walking Club, the Osher Center at UC, Price Hill Will Wellness Community Action Team, Robert O'Neal Multicultural Arts Center (ROMAC), Skate Downtown Cincy and World Peace Yoga, who offer unique programming, grassroots engagement and local expertise.
From community walks to yoga flows, dance classes and roller skating, these collaborators are making wellness feel relevant, inclusive and rooted in neighborhood identity.
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A growing menu of free activities
Offered in neighborhood parks, the program's calendar of free wellness offerings is designed to reflect community interests, including:
Yoga, tai chi, dance and movement classes taught by local certified instructors.
Guided hikes, walks and runs led by nature enthusiasts.
Roller skating classes (with free roller skate rentals available) at the Sawyer Point Riverfront Rink
Classes are currently scheduled in Avondale, Ezzard Charles, Glenway, Lytle, Owl's Nest and Sawyer Point Parks. Guided hikes take place in Cincinnati Parks throughout the city.
Wellness that works
As part of the initiative, physicians through UC Health are now prescribing time in nature as a formal part of their patients' wellness plans. This emerging trend encourages patients to spend time in Cincinnati Parks to reduce stress, improve mood, increase physical activity and build community connections. Patients will receive a Cincinnati Parks + Rec for Wellness Field Guide to help track group activities and self-led time outdoors. Park prescriptions are backed by growing research and are being embraced as a low-cost, high-impact way to support physical and mental health, right in our city's own back yard — Cincinnati Parks.
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Looking ahead
Cincinnati Parks + Rec for Wellness is laying the groundwork for a more connected and resilient city. With plans to expand to more parks and increase program variety and participation, the future is full of possibilities.
'The power of parks benefits our city and its 52 neighborhoods' Spieser said. 'And thanks to the power of partnership, this program is providing community-based wellness that is free and open to all.'
here.
The Cincinnati Parks Foundation champions the activation of Cincinnati Parks, creating clean, green and welcoming spaces. Through community partnerships and philanthropic support, we help Cincinnati Parks thrive — so everyone has a place to gather, play, connect and grow. Learn more at www.cincinnatiparksfoundation.org.
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