Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department’s Lifelong Recreation division is hosting a series of field trips into local Lawrence woodlands and nature preserves as a way to cleanse the mind and body.
The lifelong recreation program is collaborating with Shannon Gorres, a certified forest therapy guide, for this six-week series of Forest Bathing walks. The Forest Bathing series is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, a research-based framework for supporting healing and wellness through immersion in forests and other natural environments.
The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy notes, “Studies have demonstrated a wide array of health benefits, especially in the cardiovascular and immune systems, and improving mood and cognition.”
The walks will be slow and sensory, with specific practices for relaxation, awareness and wholeness. There will be several opportunities to reflect with the group during listening circles, guided meditation, and closing teatime.
Walks are scheduled 1:30-3 p.m. Thursdays, April 8–May 13. An introductory session will be held 1:30-3 p.m. Thursday, March 18, location to be announced, to learn more about the practice of Forest Bathing. Participants may register for individual walks at $18 for each walk, or sign up for the full six-week series for $96. Class will meet at the trailhead before each walk, and will receive specific directions following registration.
This program requires face coverings being worn at all times and are following COVID-19 safety guidelines, which can be found at https://assets.lawrenceks.org/lprd/covid/fitnessmartialarts.pdf.
Conditions will be continuously monitored and reviewed in consultation with public health professionals. Status updates will continue to be updated every Thursday to indicate the current risk level using green, yellow, orange or red based on the number of new cases, trends and percentage of positive COVID-19 test to mirror Lawrence-Douglas County Health’s recommendations being used for the Smart and Safe School Reopening Guidelines and Status for county schools. Individuals may find the current status by visiting the department website or the department social media platforms, Twitter and Facebook. To find out more information on the gating criteria, please visit: https://lawks.us/3bHgFoJ.
Register online at http://lprd.org/activity?n=227473.
Enrollment can also be done at the following Parks and Recreation facilities:
8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday, Parks and Recreation Administrative Office in South Park, 1141 Massachusetts St.
8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday, Lawrence Indoor Aquatic Center, 4706 Overland Dr.
10:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday, Sunday, Community Building, 115 W. 11th St.
9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday, Sports Pavilion Lawrence, 100 Rock Chalk Ln.
9 a.m.–noon Tuesday–Friday, 1–5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Prairie Park Nature Center, 2730 Harper St.
Noon–5 p.m. Monday–Friday, Holcom Park Recreation Center, 2700 W. 27th St.
9 a.m.–noon Monday–Friday, East Lawrence Recreation Center, 1245 E. 15th St.
For more information, please contact Gayle Sigurdson, recreation programmer, gsigurdson@lawrenceks.org, (785) 832-7909.