Overton Park Conservancy to focus on park’s mental health and wellness benefits with NatureZen Month

What’s happening: The Overton Park Conservancy has declared October to be NatureZen Month, announcing a series of events that showcase Overton Park and its inherent ability to restore and replenish our minds and bodies. From yoga sessions to community tree giveaways, NatureZen Month intends to share in the ways that nature can improve our mental and physical health and wellness.

What it is: While the Overton Park Shell routinely receives media attention for its innovative programming and community outreach efforts — utilizing American Sign Language interpreters and launching Shell on Wheels are two that immediately come to mind — the park itself offers a wealth of public amenities to the community. The 142-acre Old Forest State Natural Area, for example, offers no shortage of Zen amongst its old-growth forest.

Cheers to that: NatureZen Month officially launches at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 3, with the introduction of a new monthly happy hour series hosted at the golf clubhouse. Dubbed Science Café, the series will regularly host guest speakers for discussing matters of ecology over adult beverages. Registration for the event is requested and is available online.
A Community Tree Giveaway is planned on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and meets in front of Rust Hall.
What’s planned: Free yoga sessions are planned each Wednesday morning beginning at 7 a.m. in the Formal Gardens. And each Wednesday at noon is a weekly Nature Journaling workshop that meets at the Old Forest Gateway near Overton Bark.

Other highlights include Party on the Plaza at Brooks Museum from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 4, celebrating the closing of Kong Wee Pang’s “Art Garden” and the launch of NatureZen Month. Volunteers will spread new safety surfacing at Rainbow Lake Playground beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7.  And a Community Tree Giveaway is planned on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and meets in front of Rust Hall.

Visit the Overton Park Conservancy online to learn more about these and several other planned events throughout NatureZen Month, many of which request or require registration prior to start time.

What they’re saying: “October is the perfect month to showcase all that Nature has to offer at Overton Park, since the weather is usually beautiful,” says Tina Sullivan, Overton Park Conservancy Executive Director. “Visitors will enjoy new opportunities and find wonderful new ways to enjoy the park throughout NatureZen Month. We’ll have something for everyone!”