Parks and Recreation: A Prescription for Mental Health

Images (L to R): Green Cay Nature Center boardwalk, Fitness Zone at Glades Pioneer Park, and Daggerwing Nature Center boardwalk

Maintaining good mental health is important to the health of our community. The stigma surrounding mental health disorders reduces an individual’s life expectancy and quality of life and increases the crisis that already exist. From increasing social and physical wellbeing to preventing chronic health diseases, treating mental health conditions provides many positive benefits.  

Volunteers are the Heart of PBC Parks!

Volunteers are the heart of the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department (PBC Parks). They supplement our existing workforce, help us reach our goals, engage with the community and raise awareness about our facilities, programs and services. In 2022, PBC Parks’ volunteers contributed over 130,000 hours at nature centers, recreation centers, golf courses, and beach and park cleanups and hosted more than 200 park and beach cleanups.

PBC Parks Provides Inclusive Recreation Opportunities and Experiences for People with Disabilities

International Day of People with Disabilities, celebrated on December 3, promotes and increases awareness and understanding of disability issues and mobilizes support for the rights, well-being, and acceptance of people with disabilities. This year’s overarching theme is “Transformative solutions for inclusive development” in the areas of employment, reducing inequity and sports.

Parks Offer Ways to Prevent Diabetes through Physical Activity

Image gallery of different exercise facilities and activities at PBC Parks (wheelchair course, paved and boardwalk nature trails, fitness stations, basketball court, playground and swimming)

November is National Diabetes Month. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, over 37 million people in the United States have diabetes and over a third have prediabetes. There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 is a chronic autoimmune disease that attacks the cells that make insulin. Type 2 is a metabolic disease, where the body does not respond to insulin properly, increasing blood sugar levels in the body. However, healthy changes and habits can help prevent diabetes, like spending time outdoors, exercising regularly and increasing physical activity.