Isolation to connection: The power of GGNRA national park outings with Rafiki Coalition

The Parks Conservancy meets local communities where they are to create new park connections. For the last 8 years, we've partnered with Rafiki Coalition for Health and Wellness, which works to eliminate health disparities and improve wellness for Black and marginalized communities in San Francisco. In surveys, Rafiki members say our park trips boosted their feelings of belonging and overall health, thanks to "respect and grace" from staff and spending time in nature. 

Here's what Maxine Tatmon-Gilkerson, Rafiki's Community Outreach and Engagement Manager, said about the partnership: 

What's been the biggest impact of your park outings? 

It's a great bridge-builder for them. They've gotten to know the staff, when they see each other they hug. It helps people feel welcomed and cared for, and that's not always true in the African-American community. It almost makes me tear up when I think about it, wow, these people really care about us. They make us feel welcome. 

Who's going out on the trips? 

One lady brought her daughters and her six grandchildren over the course of several years, and it was clear they would not have gotten out if grandma hadn't talked them into it. We've had a one-month-old baby, and we've had someone who was 88 walking along. So it's just a huge age range that crosses all through the community, and it's great to see that. 

What is it about the parks that people love? 

I remember one person saying to me, we were just driving into the Presidio, she said, 'ahh, as soon as I come out here, it feels like a load is off.' It's something about being surrounded in the trees and the greenery. It just feels like a real change. For seniors in particular, it's nice to get away from their isolation or whatever's happening in their life. 

What health benefits has the group seen over 8 years? 

I think stress reduction, relaxation and just getting out and getting some movement for people. They tell me they don't oftentimes get out walking, but with us, they feel comfortable enough because we'll make sure their pace is OK. There'll be somebody in the back and they can stop if they need to. 

What's next for Rafiki in the parks? 

My little group is growing. We started out with maybe about 10 people and now when we go somewhere like Muir Woods, we get about 35-36 people. The word has gotten around that this is something important and people want to be part of it. So that makes me feel good.