Wellness Walks 2025
Parks are good medicine!
From April through October this year, the Chicago Parks Foundation supported local institutions in leading 680+ community members in a total of 80 Wellness Walks in Chicago parks across the city.
Wellness Walks are an invitation for community members to get outside and connect. Each free 45-minute walk-and-talk is guided by a designated “pro” from one of the leading partner organizations, focusing on a topic related to big-picture wellness with casual conversation and time in nature.
Research shows that parks make us happier, healthier and more connected. This is why the Chicago Parks Foundation believes a little green goes a long way. A little time spent outdoors in nature can make a big impact for our personal and public health, especially when repeated over time. And the benefits are even stronger when you get outside with fellow community members.
We are thankful to our partnering organizations for their leadership and to our participants for joining us this year!
2025 HIGHLIGHTS
680+ total participants
80 walks
8 parks
PARTNERS
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Lake Shore Park
Rush University Medical College
Arrigo Park & Park #574
Sinai Chicago's Schwab Rehabilitation Therapists
Douglass Park
Small Habits Matter Registered Dieticians
Humboldt Park
UChicago Pritzker School of Medicine
Promontory Point
University of Illinois Master Naturalists
Burnham Park & West Ridge Nature Park
SPECIAL THANKS
Lake Shore Park Advisory Council
Promontory Point Conservancy
West Ridge Nature Park Advisory Council
We asked our participants…
What was your favorite part of your walk?
“These walks are good because they help me get nearly half of my daily steps completed first thing in the morning on Saturdays during the awful summer heat. I enjoy meeting the people.”
- Cathryn B., Promontory Point walker
“My favorite memory was when two women who joined the Wellness Walks reunited after 30 years of not seeing each other. While we were standing waiting to get folks checked in for their walk, they realized they knew each other and were able to reconnect and got each other's contact info to stay in touch. They were both still in the community but just hadn't seen each other. It was amazing to see that reconnection!”
- Elizabeth G., Humboldt Park leader
“I really enjoyed the time that the walkers and I made our way to the cherry blossom trees behind the Museum of Science and Industry!”
- Caleb D., Promontory Point leader
“The leaders had important information to share about lung health and allowed participation from all of those involved. It was overall a nice group of people and good conversation."
- Cathy B., Lake Shore Park walker
“This was a great way to spend some time on a lovely fall Sunday in Chicago. The guide was knowledgeable and enthusiastic and was dedicated to providing g a great experience for the participants.”
- Byl A., West Ridge Nature Park walker
“I really enjoyed that there were regulars at the walks, so seeing the same people every couple weeks was super fun.”
- Ben M., Lake Shore Park leader
“The opportunity to connect to nature and this beautiful city came at just the right time. Seeing (and hearing) all the insects and birds that continue to need this area as autumn comes is a great reminder, heading into winter, that we can nourish our communities all year round.”
- Eileen F., Burnham Park walker
“Community building - interesting conversations with the diverse group that showed up.”
- Karen C., Promontory Point walker
“I enjoyed when participants came with questions in mind, whether they were related to the week’s topics or not. Especially when they got into the nitty gritty of science or medicine. I remember one woman asking me what DNA is and I had a good time trying to break it down and explain it in several different ways.”
- Adam T., Lake Shore Park leader
WALK-AND-TALK
Check out some of the topics our leaders discussed in 2025:
Healthy Aging
Exploring Nature Through Your Senses
Exercises for Every Ability
Geology
How to be a Mindful Eater
Quitting Tobacco
Mobility Basics
Stroke Prevention
Healthy Sleep
Benefits of Walking in Nature
Lake Shore Park walkers led by Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine students
Stay Tuned for Next Year
Questions about participating or partnering with us?
Triana Callam
Community Programs Manager
tcallam@chicagoparksfoundation.org
(773) 505-9477
