Wellness and Public Health Connections
Our impact on the community goes beyond outdoor recreation and education. We can help change serious trends, like declining health and wellness.
By staying true to our mission and rethinking how, when and where we offer services, we can grow stronger ties to the communities we serve. This helps us make a bigger difference by improving the health and wellness of our visitors and connecting residents to each other, nature and their community.
Forest Bathing and Wellness Walks
Wellness is at the heart of what we do at Three Rivers. Our parks offer a natural refuge where visitors can pause, breathe and reconnect with the outdoors. From peaceful hikes to guided wellness programs, our spaces support mental, emotional and physical health.
One unique offering is forest bathing—also known as Shinrin-yoku. This mindful experience encourages you to slow down and use all your senses while walking in the forest. It has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood and build a deeper connection with nature.
Certified staff on our Community Engagement team lead guided walks in partnership with underrepresented community groups, creating space for hope and resiliency. Staff certification was supported by Statewide Health Improvement Partnership funding.
Anyone can take part in a mindful walk, whether by joining a public program or exploring the self-guided forest bathing trail at Silverwood Park.
Safe Communities and Violence Prevention
Since 2021, our Community Engagement team has been part of the Safe Communities violence prevention network organized by Hennepin County. Parks play an important role in building safe, strong and healthy communities in which everyone has access not only to work and school, but also to gather, exercise, play, relax and find peace.
Through the Safe Communities network, Three Rivers partners with local groups to host regular events in the parks for youth and families most affected by community violence. Together, we’re creating space for connection and healing, supported by the calming power of nature.
Engagements Supporting Cardiovascular Health
Building on lessons from the French Regional Park Master Plan, our Community Engagement team partnered with the University of Minnesota School of Public Health in 2024 to lead a community-focused study. The goal is to better understand how nature and park-based activities affect heart health and overall wellness for African American parents and children, ages 8–12, living in Minnesota.
Supported by C2DREAM and Statewide Health Improvement Partnership funding, the study looks at how a nature-based program influences physical activity, mental health and blood pressure. Once results are in, we hope the findings will guide more inclusive planning and policy changes that support equitable access to parks not just at Three Rivers, but across the country.
Through a network of service providers organized by Hennepin County Public Health, Three Rivers is also helping prevent heart disease in women as part of the Women’s Heart Health Initiative. This funding and network support culturally specific park programs for African American, Black and Indigenous women, who are more likely to experience poor heart health and higher death rates from heart-related conditions.
These programs create space for women to share stories, raise awareness and gain tools for better heart health. They also support public health workers and care providers in building stronger connections between community health and nature.
Engaging Seniors and Older Adults
Three Rivers recognizes that our population is growing, aging and becoming more racially and ethnically diverse. We play a role in responding to these changes so we can protect our natural resources, stay relevant and serve all members of our community. One way we do this is by offering programs that bring people together and help everyone feel welcome in the parks.
Our affinity programs for older adults, especially in communities that have been underrepresented in the parks, are part of this effort. These programs support a culture of inclusion, making sure everyone feels invited and welcome in outdoor spaces.
- Latino Seniors Engagement Program
The Latino Seniors Engagement Program started in March 2020. Since then, it has helped reduce social isolation and loneliness by offering fun park activities for Latino seniors.
The program gives older adults a chance to connect, be active and enjoy nature together. It has been supported by funding from the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership and Age-Friendly Hennepin County.
- Somali Seniors Program
With support from the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership, the Somali Seniors program met monthly during the warmer months of 2024.
Program staff connected with dozens of older adults from the Somali community. The program helped participants explore new outdoor spaces, try new activities and stay active while building strong community connections. Whenever possible, staff worked to include culturally-relevant activities in park experiences.
Engagement events continue a few times each year, based on interest and available resources.
Stories of Impact
Nicole Fernandez, a cultural liaison at Three Rivers, reflects on leading a healing walk and offers tips on how you can create the experience on your own.
Learn how outdoor recreation has helped nurture healing in victims of gun violence in this Q&A with Farji Shaheer, founder and director of Three Rivers’ partner organization Innovative SOULutions.
During National Hispanic Heritage Month, Three Rivers joins in honoring the contributions and cultures of Hispanic and Latino Americans.
Learn about Three Rivers' Latino Senior Engagement program, what activities participants have done together and how to get involved.
