Weekend centred on connecting with nature for well-being

Sunnidale Park in Barrie, Ont. (City of Barrie)

Curious about nature prescriptions? Experiences to full-on nature immersion are coming up in our region.

The City of Barrie is reminding residents of a weekend slated for next month that’s filled with proven methods to improve personal wellness through the power of nature.

The Parks Wellness Weekend is set for June 5 and 6 at Sunnidale Park that includes a variety of ways to connect with nature all for free. Some activities require an R.S.V.P. to hold your spot.

The initiative is inspired by PaRx, Canada’s national prescriptions-based, evidence-based, prescription program that allows health professionals to prescribe nature-based remedies to patients.

• Connecting with nature, here’s how

On June 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sunnidale Park, The Nature Play Trailer and Summer Fun Trailer will both be on site for drop-in programming, partnering with Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority.

Local artist Monica Loney will be offering up creative, nature-inspired art opportunities for the community.

Forest Fables, for families with children nine years and younger, will be an interactive program that incorporates storytelling, games, sensory activities, forest therapy and a craft. It will take place from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., hosted by Forest Floor, an organization that offers guided forest therapy walks and educational programs and services.

June 6 is packed full with nature-based experiences.

Participants can take part in a restorative outdoor yoga class, which will be a slow, grounding practice in the midst of nature.

The community can also take part in a forest therapy walk or spending intentional time with trees to explore how nature supports health and well-being.

A sound therapy session will take place from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., which when done in nature, amplifies the sounds being created.

Art with Monica will be a visual arts class where participants can create a small glass jar filled with items from nature. The class is from 1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.

Finally, the weekend will wrap up with Mindfulness in the Garden at Lampman Lane Community Garden, where community members will get the opportunity to pause, breathe, notice the surroundings and connect with nature. The event is 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The City says the activities are meant to introduce and offer guidance to residents on different ways to take part in outdoor experiences and to educate them on the benefits nature can have on their overall health.