Your Guide to 5 Parks, 1 Wellness Initiative, and 3 Simple Ways to Recharge Outdoors
Life moves fast — but your well-being matters. This 513 Day, we’re celebrating a new way to put your health first — in ways that feel simple, natural and in sync with your life.
Introducing Cincinnati Parks & Rec for Wellness — a powerful, city-wide initiative offering free, outdoor wellness activities in neighborhood parks across Cincinnati.
Ready to reset and feel your best? Here’s how — the 513 way:
5 Parks to Explore for Wellness
These five Cincinnati parks are now part of a growing movement to make health and healing accessible — just steps from your front door.
1. Sawyer Point
River views, fresh air, and free movement classes make this downtown park a perfect wellness destination. Enjoy yoga sessions, pickleball, walking groups and even skating — all with the skyline as your backdrop.
2. Mt. Airy Forest
Need a deep breath and a break from the pace of daily life? This expansive forest is perfect for guided hikes, mindful walks or a quiet solo reset. Just being among the trees can feel therapeutic.
3. Glenway Park
A neighborhood park with a growing wellness presence — ideal for quick movement sessions and outdoor group classes.
4. Burnet Woods
Steps from UC, this centrally located park is perfect for a mid-day mental break, a yoga class under the trees, or a quick walk that helps you reset. It’s an oasis of peace in the middle of it all.
5. Ezzard Charles Park
Named after the boxing legend, this West End park is home to monthly wellness events and community-strengthening programs focused on music and dance.
1 Groundbreaking Initiative: Parks & Rec for Wellness
The Cincinnati Parks + Rec for Wellness initiative is a groundbreaking partnership between Cincinnati Parks Foundation, Cincinnati Parks, Cincinnati Recreation Commission and Foundation, and the Osher Center for Integrative Health at the University of Cincinnati.
At its core is a transformative mission: making wellness accessible, inclusive, and free — rooted in the power of nature and community. Whether it’s a guided hike, yoga in the park, or all-abilities fitness classes, the program removes barriers by bringing high-quality wellness opportunities directly to neighborhood parks across the city.
Doctors at UC Health are now prescribing time in nature because research shows that just 20 minutes outdoors can lower stress hormones, boost mood, strengthen immunity, and ease symptoms of anxiety, depression and chronic conditions. As Dr. Sian Cotton, Director of the Osher Center, explains: “Nature is one of the most underutilized resources in health care. These programs offer a prescription for both prevention and healing—no copay required.”
Wellness isn’t just about moving your body — it’s about caring for your whole self in spaces that foster connection, belonging and renewal. By weaving together parks, recreation and healthcare, Cincinnati Parks + Rec for Wellness is reimagining what health access looks like—meeting people where they are and ensuring that every resident can experience the life-changing benefits of time outdoors.
3 Ways to Get Involved
Not sure where to start? Here are three easy (and FREE) ways to take part — whether you have five minutes or a free morning:
1. Ask Your Doctor About a Nature Prescription
UC Health providers can now prescribe time outdoors — just like they would medication or therapy. It’s a new kind of prescription, with real, lasting benefits. (Plus, you can prescribe yourself some time in nature any time you feel like you need it!)
2. Join One of Our Free Guided Hikes
Get moving with low-pressure, welcoming hikes led by experienced guides. No equipment, no pressure — just fresh air, movement and community. Through Cincinnati Parks & Rec for Wellness, we’re offering a free guided hike each week. (Check our calendar for details!)
3. Try a Free Outdoor Class
From yoga to fun fitness pop-ups, our Cincinnati Parks & Rec for Wellness classes offer a chance to stretch, strengthen and recharge — all in a beautiful, supportive setting. (Check out our calendar for more info—we’re adding more free classes each day!)
This 513 Day, Let Your Wellness Be Local
You don’t have to go far to care for yourself. With 5 local parks, 1 powerful initiative, and 3 simple steps to start, Cincinnati Parks & Rec for Wellness is here to help you create space for movement, mindfulness and connection — right in your own neighborhood.