Parks Are Part of Our Healthcare System

An article published by the American Society of Landscape Architects reveals a study suggesting the more time someone spends outdoors, the less likely they are to suffer from mental or physical disorders.
"Green spaces are crucial to solving hypertension, anxiety, depression, diabetes – the diseases of indoor living", and that outdoor exercise equipment, or "fitness zones", within a park lead to increases in moderate, vigorous activity. The complete article can be read by clicking here.

One of these "Fitness Zones" can be found in South Bend, IN. With the award of a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County contracted Lehman & Lehman to design a new outdoor exercise area / fitness zone at Potawatomi Park. The exercise area, with four pieces of outdoor exercise equipment was designed with the goal of engaging adults while providing a range of fitness options, encouraging interaction among different age groups and different levels of ability. It has been a popular asset to the park and is situated adjacent to the children's play area.