Every visitor to the park forms their own unique connection to this place. Laura’s story – is one that shows the true power of our park to transform lives and strengthen our community
Laura Will and her colleagues at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System understand the deep connection between healthy parks and healthy people. As recreational therapists, they visit the park every month with a small group of veterans receiving inpatient care. The park provides opportunities to enhance socialization, independence, and quality of life for the veterans they serve. But what makes it a great place is there’s something for everyone. “Some of these veterans might be more independent, and some might require more care. Patients might be challenged by depression, or social anxiety. Allegheny RiverTrail Park is the best place to fulfill everyone’s needs,” Laura says.
Laura remembers visiting the park with a Navy veteran who had a lifelong love of the water and the outdoors. “He doesn’t talk a lot, but body language says so much. You can’t fake it,” says Laura. “You could see the whole body in a relaxed state. (The patient’s) whole mood changed. And there was a better, positive outlook coming back to the hospital.” The group’s favorite place at the park is down by the river. “We can go out on the dock and feel like we’re a part of the water and the environment,” Laura says. “We can feel like we’re part of the community.”
