Poppies

2014 Multicultural Wellness Walks

Sunol Regional Wilderness, Sunol, November 15, 2014

The group engaged in music making by utilizing natural artifacts such as stones, sticks, beans, and shells. They learned to sing  a “butterfly” in varied languages, such as Persian, Tagalog, Spanish, Malay, Mandarin, French, and Hindi. This activity underscored the key message that health can be combine with fun activities to build cohesion across cultures.

Lake Chabot Regional Park, Castro Valley, October 18, 2014

During this walk, the group learned to say Good Morning in Korean, Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, and other languages. At the end of the walk, the participants observed a kimbap making demonstration by the Korean community. The group enjoyed the traditional Korean food, music, and dance. Naturalists were at hand before, during, and after the hike to talk about the history and natural resources of the park. Displays of the park’s flora and fauna were shown.

Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline, Oakland, August 16, 2014

A variety of activities included yoga and laughter yoga. Participants reported enjoying these activities and praised the organizers for including such innovative elements to the walk.

Media Coverage 

Nov 15, 2014 – Sunol Regional Wilderness, Sunol

New Tang Dynasty TV, TV Broadcast (Chinese) 
A doctor from Children’s Hospital in Oakland, a Park District partner in the new Parks Rx program that aims at bringing at-risk children and their families outdoors for health and recreation, attended this walk.

Sound of Hope Radio, TV Broadcast and Online Video (Chinese) 
Interviews in English and Chinese with a diverse group of participants in this walk. Participants learned to sing “butterfly” in many languages, including Tagalog, Farsi, Arabic, French, Spanish, Chinese, and Korean.

Oct 18, 2014 – Lake Chabot Regional Park, Castro Valley

New Tang Dynasty TV, TV Broadcast (Chinese) 
Music made with natural elements highlighted this nature walk. People learned about the trees and birds that inhabit the lake and its surroundings. Nature displays and naturalists were at hand for participants. At the end, the Korean Hiking Club offered food and camaraderie. Interviews with staff and participants in English.

Aug 16, 2014 – Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline, Oakland

New Tang Dynasty TV, TV Broadcast (Chinese) 
Interviews in English with participants and Park District staff. About 100 people attended this event. It included learning basic yoga movements and laughter yoga exercises.

Sound of Hope Radio, Radio Broadcast and Online Video (Chinese) 
Interviews with participants and staff in English. A Park District Naturalist taught participants about the shoreline and the habitat it provides for birds and other wildlife.

Jul 12, 2014 – Garin/Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Parks, Hayward

Hyundae Korean News USANewspaper Article (Korean) [PDF]