Tennessee has some of the most beautiful state parks in the country, and now there’s an easy way to turn outdoor activity into rewards! In this episode of Beyond the Adjustment, Dr. Scott talks with Stacy Levine from Healthy Parks, Healthy Person, a nonprofit that encourages people to get outside and stay active. Learn how a simple check-in app is helping Tennesseans improve their physical and mental health—all while earning free outdoor gear!
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Dr. Scott: Welcome to Beyond the Adjustment! Today, we have with us Stacy Levine from Healthy Parks, Healthy Person. Stacy, can you tell us about the program—how it started and what it aims to do?
Stacy Levine: Absolutely! Healthy Parks, Healthy Person is a statewide nonprofit covering all of Tennessee. It’s an incentive program designed to encourage people to get outdoors for their health. Research consistently shows that being in nature is beneficial for both physical and mental well-being.
We originally started this program in Tennessee State Parks in 2015, but we’ve since transitioned into a nonprofit so that anyone in Tennessee can participate for free. We also have a mobile app that lets people track their outdoor activities and earn rewards like hiking packs, hammocks, binoculars, jackets, and more—just by getting outside!
Dr. Scott: I downloaded the app, and I have to say, I love the concept!
Stacy Levine: That’s great! The app is super simple—it just asks, Did you get outside today? You check in when you do, and over time, you earn points. You don’t have to complete long hikes or track miles—just making an effort to be outside, even briefly, counts.
The idea originally started as a partnership between the Tennessee Department of Health and Tennessee State Parks because Tennessee has consistently ranked among the bottom ten states for overall health outcomes. However, we also have one of the best free state park systems in the country—nearly 60 state parks that don’t charge an entry fee. We saw an opportunity to promote outdoor activity as a public health tool.
Dr. Scott: That makes so much sense. How did you personally get involved with the program?
Stacy Levine: I actually come from a background in architecture, believe it or not! I worked as an architect for nearly 15 years, designing homes, schools, restaurants, and other spaces. While I loved it, I eventually found myself craving more human connection and community-focused work.
I had already been working in health and wellness with a nonprofit called the Governor’s Foundation for Health and Wellness, which focused on helping communities adopt healthier lifestyles. When the opportunity to work with Healthy Parks, Healthy Person came up, I jumped at the chance.
I’ve always loved the outdoors, hiking, and physical activity, so this role was a perfect fit. My husband is still an architect, so I still get to talk about architecture at the dinner table—best of both worlds!
Dr. Scott: That’s awesome. And honestly, Tennessee’s state parks are incredible. I’ve always been impressed by how well they’re maintained. I ride motorcycles, and my buddies and I often stop at park lodges just to eat.
Stacy Levine: Yes! Tennessee’s state parks are such a hidden gem. I didn’t fully appreciate them myself until I started working with Tennessee State Parks. And let me tell you, park rangers are some of the coolest people around. They are naturalists, educators, and outdoor experts all rolled into one. They can teach you about wildlife, clear trails with chainsaws, and lead educational programs—all in a day’s work!
Dr. Scott: I’ve met a few park rangers, and their knowledge of history and nature is mind-blowing. So, what upcoming events or programs should people know about?
Stacy Levine: We host about three challenges a year through the app. These are month-long events where participants log their outdoor activities and compete to win prizes.
We just wrapped up our February Challenge, where the top 50 participants who logged the most outdoor days won a special prize. We’ll likely have another challenge this summer!
Dr. Scott: That’s great! And honestly, there’s something peaceful about being in nature. I always tell people to listen to nature—hear the birds, the water, the wind. I feel bad when I see people hiking with earbuds in, missing out on that experience.
Stacy Levine: Absolutely! We live in a screen-based society, and even my own kids struggle with too much screen time. But during COVID, I think we all realized just how much we need to be outside for our mental health.
Dr. Scott: 100%. COVID changed so much, and honestly, I wonder if things will ever return to “normal.” There’s a generation that doesn’t even know what life was like before constant screens.
Stacy Levine: Exactly! That’s why we try to keep our app simple—no distractions, just a quick check-in so you can get back to enjoying nature.
Dr. Scott: That’s smart. And you know, Tennessee is the perfect place for this—we’ve got mountains, waterfalls, and endless trails.
Stacy Levine: We really do! And even if you’re not near a state park, we encourage people to just step outside—take a walk in your neighborhood, sit on a park bench, or stroll during your lunch break.
Spending time outside has proven physical benefits like:
- Lowering blood pressure
- Increasing serotonin levels
- Boosting vitamin D intake
For kids, outdoor play is even more crucial—it helps develop their balance, coordination, and sensory skills. Unfortunately, with less physical education in schools, kids aren’t getting the same exposure to movement that they used to.
Dr. Scott: That’s a great point. Motion is everything—I always tell my patients, move it or lose it!
Stacy Levine: Absolutely! And we try to make it easy for people to get started. Some folks feel intimidated by outdoor activity—they worry about how to dress, encountering bugs, or just feel unsure about where to go. We provide education and support to help people feel comfortable getting outside.
Dr. Scott: This is such a great initiative. Stacy, I really appreciate you taking the time to share this with us today.
Stacy Levine: Thank you so much for having me! I encourage everyone to download our free app, Healthy Parks, Healthy Person, and follow us on social media to stay connected.
Dr. Scott: We’ll include all the links and details in the description. Thanks again, Stacy!
Stacy Levine: Happy trails!