Development of a Healthy Parks Healthy People strategic action plan for Hot Springs National Park

Schmalz, Dorothy; Hallo, Jeffrey; Kusch, Michael; Arce, Mardi

Social scientists and park managers explore a variety of options and examples that illustrate how the National Park System can inspire the American public to enjoy NPS resources and maximize health benefits. Hot Springs National Park is in a special position for the Healthy Parks Healthy People (HPHP) initiative based on its rich history as an early national reserve intended to conserve geothermal springwater for the purposes of public health, wellness, and enjoyment. Nearly two centuries after its ﬁ rst protection, Hot Springs National Park has the potential to serve as a keystone in the HPHP movement and to act as a catalyst for change in the role of national parks as venues not only for recreation and conservation, but also for health and well-being. We proposed a comprehensive project to develop an HPHP strategic action plan for Hot Springs National Park to incorporate and implement HPHP principles. The project consisted of three phases: (1) a review of literature on HPHP topics as they relate to assets available within the park, (2) an HPHP strategic planning workshop, and (3) development of an HPHP strategic plan for the park. We reached conclusions by incorporating a mixed-methods approach, using secondary data from the literature review and primary data from workshop participants. Workshop attendees identiﬁed a number of short- and long-term goals for Hot Springs National Park that will achieve the guiding principles of the HPHP initiative, enhance the health and wellness of park visitors and the surrounding community, while also keeping cultural and environmental impacts to a minimum.

Development of a Healthy Parks Healthy People strategic action plan for Hot Springs National Park

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