Green spaces in Delaware County and the Philadelphia area can help children spend more time outside and less on their screens, reducing our area’s childhood obesity problem, writes Siani Colon for Green Philly.

In addition to getting “fresh air” and moving, research is increasingly showing the numerous benefits of being outside, including stress reduction, increased focus, maintaining a healthy weight, and children or adults with ADHD.

A collaborative effort between the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, CHOP, the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department, and the National Forest Service is a part of the nature prescription movement, formally called NatureRX.

The program provides resources to Philadelphians to find spots around the city to get outdoor time. NaturePHL’s website lists over 100 parks and green spaces throughout the Philadelphia area.

The website includes Hoffman Park in Lansdowne and the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in Tinicum.

Philly has a lot of green space that citizens may not be conscious of.  Aside from Fairmount Park, there are many individual green spaces scattered around the city region.

“I’ve definitely had families that have gone to some of the event listings and discovered some new parks,” Said Barbara Rolnick, MD at CHOP Roxborough.

Read more about NatureRX here.

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