Victoria's parks hold values for the visitor beyond the simple enjoyment of majestic scenery. Growing scientific evidence and generations of traditional knowledge show that spending time in nature has both health and social benefits. Contact with nature is critical for our physical, mental and social health. It has positive effects on our ability to concentrate, learn and be creative. It boosts our immune system and helps us relax.

Healthy Parks Healthy People is a global movement that recognises the essential connections between human health and environmental health. Parks are an accessible means for people to enjoy the benefits of nature and can take every form from local suburban parks to large national parks and marine parks.

Parks are also instrumental to the economic growth of vibrant and healthy communities. Each year Victoria's parks contribute up to $200 million by avoiding health care costs through physical activity in nature. Victorian parks also generate at least $1.4 billion through park tourism and support 14,000 jobs.

Healthy Parks Healthy People aims to unlock the influence of nature for health and economic benefits, while also protecting cultural history and biodiversity. Globally we face unprecedented social, demographic and environmental changes which pose risks to our health and wellbeing and create a growing economic burden on governments and communities.

Increasing urbanisation and changing lifestyles have resulted in more people spending less time in nature and doing less physical activity while becoming more stressed and socially isolated. Social disengagement and isolation continues to be an increasing concern for community health.

Parks provide an answer to these problems we're facing by providing access to natural green spaces that have been shown to have real measurable health benefits as well as providing a shared space which increase social cohesion. Global research about the strong connection between human health and contact with nature, shows:

• Access and proximity to safe high quality parks results in increased physical activity levels and improved health outcomes, including mental health.
• In urban areas, parks foster social connections that are vital to community cohesion and contribute to social wellbeing.
• For children, accessible and safe parks foster active play, which is associated with physical, cognitive and social benefits.
• For adolescents, parks improve mental and social health during what is often a tumultuous time of life.
• Park use is linked to physical and psychological health benefits among adults, especially older adults.
• Indigenous peoples are particularly sympathetic to and reliant on contact with nature for their physical, mental, social and spiritual health and this can be offered through parks.

More than 650 research documents published since 2008 from across the globe were reviewed to update evidence collated in 2002 and 2008. Findings suggest that access to safe and high quality green space benefits people across every phase of their life and improves their physical, mental and social wellbeing.

You can access that report at http://www.hphpcentral.com/article/global-research-compilation-proves-strong-link-between-nature-and-human-health

For more information on Healthy Parks Healthy People, go to http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/about-us/healthy-parks-healthy-people and click on the link.

For more information on Victoria's spectacular parks call Parks Victoria on 13 1963 or visit www.parks.vic.gov.au