In April of this year, we announced the renewal of our partnership with the National Park Foundation (NPF). Today, we’re sharing an update on the work we’ve done so far with ParkVentures.
The ParkVentures program supports initiatives aimed at helping people create and strengthen life-long relationships with national parks, with a focus on communities that have been historically excluded from parks. Niantic works with NPF to support affinity spaces, promoting access and a sense of belonging in parks so that more people can experience the social, mental, and physical health benefits of spending time outside.
Thanks to the hard work of an incredible group of organizations, including the National Park Foundation and Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, we are very excited to share an update on our most recent work with the Kenilworth Park & Aquatic
Gardens WELLderness program. This park is located in Washington, DC, and constitutes approximately 700 acres, and is the only National Park Service site
devoted to the propagation and display of aquatic plants.
Kenilworth is using the ParkVentures grant to fund WELLderness: An Outdoor Wellness Series, aiming to connect people to nature through various activities that promote mental and physical health. This program is a direct response to the needs of Kenilworth’s neighboring urban community who sought to connect in the park through outdoor events and opportunities for healing with neighbors and visitors. In the event series, community members have engaged in activities such as dog walks, tai chi, forest bathing, art therapy, painting, photography, and kayaking.
“We want more folks than ever to be in the park engaging with the green space,” says Shannah Cumberbatch, Volunteer and Program Coordinator, Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. “It’s so beautiful to see our community members come out and say they are proud of seeing events like this at the gardens.”
We look forward to seeing the continued engagement at Kenilworth and are proud to be a part of the National Park Foundation’s efforts to ensure parks are diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
- Yennie Solheim, Director of Social Impact