Goal 1: Improve Quality of Life by Promoting Healthy
Lifestyles through Outdoor Recreation
Numerous studies have shown spending time outside recreating
not only promotes physical fitness but also improves mental
health. More and more doctors are prescribing walking in the
park or within nature based settings to help treat symptoms of
depression and anxiety, and to improve physical ailments and
chronic diseases. Improvements to quality of life also is
correlated with outdoor recreation and a healthy state of
mind. These factors come into play when communities are
planning for park and trail infrastructure.
• Public is aware of and has access
to outdoor recreation areas.
• Partnerships are identified
and formed with community
centers and organizations to
enhance quality of life through
healthy living.
Public understands and
appreciates the correlation
between outdoor recreation
and public health.
• All user groups are part of the
public participation process
in developing and enhancing
healthy lifestyles through outdoor
recreation programs or events.
• Diverse groups and underserved
populations have access
to healthy lifestyle outdoor
recreation opportunities.
• Increased understanding of
healthy lifestyle programs through
evaluations to guide future efforts.
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GOAL
DESIRED OUTCOMES
Runners and
walkers at Elmwood
Park in Omaha.
(Douglas County)
Climbing the wall at the Outdoor
Discovery Program at the Trails West
YMCA Camp. (Scotts Bluff County)
Action items
denoted with a green
leaf are immediate
recommendations
directly related to this
desired outcome.
