Parks Stewardship Forum

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the mental health of millions of Americans, with communities of color, low-income communities, and women experiencing the greatest hardships of the pandemic. Additional stress has been added due to concern for personal and familial health, unequal access to healthcare, increased financial hardship, and unprecedented uncertainty for daily life. Natural spaces have been proven to deliver positive mental health benefits, including reducing feelings of depression and anxiety. Because access to these benefits is inequitable, the authors recommend replicating existing successful programs and movements for guidance in eliminating barriers. Programs such as Yosemite National Park’s bus system reduce structural barriers, and initiatives such as Check Out Washington, both discussed below, reduce financial barriers. In addition, reforming law enforcement operations within natural spaces will increase the perceived safety and comfort of people of color in these areas. The proposed recommendations serve as calls to action to improve access natural spaces so that all people may benefit from them.