2020 Parks Week
World Urban Parks
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Concerns about the COVID-19 outbreak continue to grip our world. As an organization, World Urban Parks advocates and supports the power of parks, open spaces, and nature as essential resources for health and wellness.
We believe that many parks and trails, open spaces and nature can continue to be used in a safe manner that allows people to enjoy the mental and physical health benefits these spaces provide. In all instances, we strongly recommend people follow Government directions and guidelines regarding the use of these spaces and recognize that these vary from community to community.
We encourage local jurisdictions to keep parks, trails and nature open spaces accessible as long as it is safe to do so.
World Parks Week 2020 – Parks for All will be centered around the theme #NatureNeverCloses. With large gatherings either strongly discouraged or even banned, we are asking for our members, supporters, and partners to join in bolstering the role parks and recreation has in the recovery of the physical and mental wellbeing of all.
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With COVID-19 affecting each country, region and city differently, access to parks, trails and open space can be open, limited or even closed. People, now more than ever, are yearning for those spaces and the physical and mental wellbeing that comes with it. For World Parks Week 2020 we are challenging everyone out there to explore how and in what ways they are experiencing nature in their own circumstances. For instance, are you currently in self-isolation or unable to go to your local park or walk around the block? How then are you experiencing nature? You can bird watch from your window or balcony. You can enjoy time in your backyard. You may even start a herb or vegetable garden in your home! If you are fortunate enough to be able to go outside, in what ways are you now safely exploring nature? Is it a walk around your block? A run down your neighbourhood trail?
Join us in helping everyone to think in a new lens about parks, trails and open space in their current circumstances.
1) What does nature look like to you?
2) How are you connecting with nature?
3) What have you discovered recently about nature?
4) How could you bring nature into your community?
World Parks Week 2020 is an opportunity for us to share how and in what ways we are exploring nature! Remember, #NatureNeverCloses!
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*Disclaimer: World Urban Parks encourages you all to adhere to the WHO directives and guidelines and we all practice physical-distancing and other critically important safety guidelines as stipulated by our governments.
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A Statement from the Chair of World Urban Parks - #NatureNeverCloses
Concerns about the COVID-19 outbreak continue to grip our world. As an organization, World Urban Parks advocates and supports the power of parks, open spaces, and nature as essential resources for health and wellness. World Urban Parks understands that communities may have questions and concerns about visiting their local parks, trails or open spaces at this time.
The USA Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has flagged mental health as a top concern associated with the COVID-19 outbreak with the World Health Organization (WHO) addressing mental health considerations amongst the COVID-19 outbreak. We recognize that stay-at-home measures and physical distancing will likely take a toll on our mental health, especially during high-stress and anxiety-producing global public health emergencies. We also know from research documents how important parks, open space and nature are to provide that “nature fix” for human survival – providing opportunities for physical activity and regaining our emotional, psychological and mental balance all of which are critical to reducing stress and improving our physical and mental health.
We believe that many parks and trails, open spaces and nature can continue to be used in a safe manner that allows people to enjoy the mental and physical health benefits these spaces provide. In all instances, we strongly recommend people follow Government directives and guidelines regarding the use of these spaces and recognize that these vary from community to community. *
We encourage local jurisdictions to keep parks, trails, nature and open spaces accessible as long as it is safe to do so.
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Park, Trail, Open Space & Nature Etiquette
World Urban Parks encourages you all to adhere to the WHO directives and guidelines and we all practice physical-distancing and other critically important safety guidelines as stipulated by our governments. Please check-in with your local park and recreation agency before leaving your home on restrictions, closures, and requirements on physical distancing.
- Know what 2 meters (6 feet) looks like. This is typically a bicycle length or a hockey stick! Maintain this distance between yourself and other people.
- Do not use playgrounds or other frequently touched surfaces. Be prepared for limited access or closures to amenities in parks and public open spaces.
- Do not use parks, trails, or public open spaces if you are exhibiting symptoms or are in self-isolation.
- Go by yourself or those you live with.
- Avoid crowded areas. Share the space with others and preserve physical distancing. If physical distancing cannot be preserved in parks, trails and public open spaces, go home and return at a later hour.
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Sharing Resources!
We would like to collect and share the resources park and recreation organizations are creating in response to COVID-19. If you would like to share, please complete and upload the resources via the survey below.
Thank you!
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