BROOKINGS – South Dakota's state parks can become your outdoor gym.

Free one-day park passes are now made available to health care providers to prescribe to patients as a way to encourage more physical activity among South Dakotans of all ages.

The passes are provided through the Park Prescription Project, a project organized through a partnership between SDSU Extension, South Dakota Department of Health and South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks.

"Many South Dakota adults and children fall short of meeting the recommended physical activity levels," said Nikki Prosch, SDSU Extension health and physical activity field specialist and a coordinator of the Park Prescription Project.

Piloted by health care and mental health providers in 2015, the Park Prescription Project aims to connect health care professionals with physical activity assessments and prescriptions to open the conversation about physical activity.

"When a health care provider prescribes a free one-day pass to any South Dakota State Park, it's our hope this encourages patients to engage in physical activity in the wonderful park system we have available in our state," Prosch said.

To further encourage continued physical activity in South Dakota state parks, the one-day park pass can also be turned in for a discounted annual pass.

South Dakota's state parks offer kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, hiking, biking, winter sports, walking/running trails and many more options to be physically active.

Get outside and get active

Regular physical activity offers ample benefits.

"It can improve muscular fitness, help prevent falls, assist with weight management and improve cognitive function in older adults," Prosch said, pointing to research that shows physical activity to be an effective behavior to both prevent certain chronic diseases, and in some cases, help treat or monitor others.

"For example, regular physical activity decreases an individual's risk of cardiovascular disease and may also serve as a disease management behavior for individuals already diagnosed with cardiovascular disease," Prosch said.

Engaging in physical activity outdoors in parks or green spaces may further enhance the mental and health benefits associated with exercise as well, including reduced feelings of stress and improved attention.

"Exercising outdoors also provides the opportunity for increased social interactions which offers an array of health benefits," Prosch said. "This project is also a fantastic motivator for anyone looking for another reason to get out and be more active while enjoying all the great state parks South Dakota has to offer."

To learn more about the project, request a prescription pad (healthcare professionals only) or to request that project coordinators reach out to a specific health care provider to participate, contact Prosch at nikki.prosch@sdstate.edu or visit http://healthysd.gov/park-rx-prescribe-a-day-in-the-park/.

More information on the Park Prescription Project can also be found at www.healthysd.gov.