Montgomery Parks Observes Mental Health Month “With Parks in Mind”

MCS Staff April 20, 2023 at 4:11pm

Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month “With Parks in Mind,” a free, kick-off event on Saturday, May 6, from 2 – 4 p.m. at Germantown Town Center Urban Park. This event launches the month-long campaign, “Every Mile for Every Mind” a series of walks to encourage people to spend time outdoors hiking a Montgomery Parks trail. These events are coordinated in partnership with local mental health organization, EveryMind.

What: With Parks in Mind: Mental Health Awareness

When: Saturday, May 6 | 2 – 4 p.m. (Speaking program begins at 2:15 p.m.)

Where: Germantown Town Center Urban Park, 19840 Century Boulevard, Germantown

Guests are invited to walk through a mindfulness chalk maze created by Chalk Riot to reflect and refresh and follow inspirational images along the paths to discover local mental health resources and joyful activities for the whole family. Activities will include demo sessions for yoga, guided meditation, breathwork, vision boarding, journaling, crafts, and other mindful activities. Activities and resources will be provided by:

Montgomery Parks
EveryMind
NAMI Montgomery County
Warrior Canine Connection
Montgomery County Crisis Center
Cornerstone Montgomery
Carbone Entertainment
Cathy Shaw and Kathy Hankins, yoga and mindfulness meditation instructors

Bring a picnic or purchase food in the neighboring shopping centers (Please note: alcohol is not permitted at this event). A sign language interpreter, wheelchairs, walkers, and other adaptive equipment will be available. Several walks will take place at parks around the county throughout the month. Keep an eye on the trails for more inspirational images celebrating Mental Health Month at Martin Luther King Jr. Recreational Park, Sligo Creek Trail, and Lake Needwood Trail and for “selfie spots” to take pics to share. View the complete walk schedule.