MARCH 4, 2022 – The VA wants to hear from Veterans regarding Veterans recreation center activities, specifically for outdoor recreation. We know you have a lot of opinions, so now is the time to make sure they’re heard by Veterans Affairs!

The Call for Feedback on Veterans Recreation Center Activities

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs put out a memo late February calling for public input on recreational experiences hosted by the VA. In their words, they want to learn how they can better “facilitate the health and wellness of Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors through improved access to public lands and other outdoor spaces.” Therapeutic recreation programs for Veterans aren’t new, but this call for opinions on outdoor recreation could increase their viability by making programs more accessible to Veterans all over the country – if enough people send in their opinions.

Outdoor Recreation & Veteran Wellbeing

The U.S. National Library of Medicine, under the umbrella of the National Institutes of Health, published a study in 2018 outlining the benefits of greenspace exposure and outdoor activities on overall health and wellbeing, which the VA cites in its call for opinions on Veterans recreation center activities. The study found that self-reported health status was increased following “green prescriptions,” or prescriptions for more time spent in outdoor spaces. Incidences of asthma, coronary heart disease, and stroke were decreased with greenspace exposure. These results show promise in more varied treatments for Veterans’ issues, so it makes sense that the VA is placing more importance on getting outdoor recreation feedback.Certain VA facilities, like the Veterans park recreation center in Lehigh Acres, FL, already offer a ton of outdoor amenities, such as jogging & walking paths, volleyball/sand courts, a dog park, a cricket field, and a splash pad. It seems as though the VA will want to expand options in all Veterans recreation center locations to reflect activities and spaces that can benefit the overall health of Veterans.

How Can I Submit My Opinions?

Your comments and suggestions can be submitted through www.regulations.gov. When submitting your opinion, make sure that it is submitted as “Notice of Request for Information Regarding Veterans Outdoor Recreation.” Keep in mind that your opinions will be displayed publicly on the site. Some individuals have submitted comments requesting activities like fly fishing and team sailing for the VA. However, you can also leave comments suggesting improvements to current facilities or pointing out inequitable access issues. You have until March 25, 2022, to get your opinions in for Veterans recreation center outdoor activities. Similar to this:Wilderness Therapy: What Is It? How Is It Helping Heal Veterans?