About HEAL
The HEAL, Healthy Eating and Active Living, program is committed to preventing and reducing chronic disease by increasing access to physical activity, healthy and affordable foods and helping make the healthy choice the easy choice for Fairfield County residents. HEAL is part of a statewide program through the Ohio Department of Health.
Passport to Parks
Embark on an adventure to experience the hidden gems of Fairfield County. Gather family and friends, go solo or make new friends along the way, participate in as many events and activities as you like, at your own pace.
Visit 6 parks/events and receive your choice of a cup or cooler! If you attend a public event within the county not listed, you can list it and the date you attended it on a separate piece of paper and attach it to your passport for credit.
For every 2 additional parks or events you visit beyond 6, you will receive an entry in to win the grand prize...a cooler filled with a cup and other goodies.
Want a bonus entry? Post a photo of your adventure to social media and tag the Fairfield County Health Department, Lancaster Parks and Recreation, and Fairfield County Park District! Don’t have social media? Scan the QR code below to submit your photo.
Once you’ve completed the challenge, bring your passport—with the dates you visited the corresponding parks/events—to any of the following locations during their business hours:
- Fairfield County Health Department
- Lancaster Parks and Recreation Office
- Mambourg Park Nature Center.
All activities must be completed between June 1st, 2026, and August 31st, 2026. Passports must be submitted by October 9th, 2026. Grand prize winner will be contacted October 16th, 2026.
Eating well & staying active
USDA's MyPlate Kitchen (opens in a new window, leaves this site) offers healthy recipes you can use daily. Sugary drinks contribute to type 2 diabetes, heart disease and obesity, try healthier options like tea, sparkling water or 100% fruit juice.
Regular physical activity helps maintain weight, reduce high blood pressure and ease symptoms of depression and anxiety. Easy ways to add activity: take the stairs, walk or bike when weather permits, actively play with your children and do light gardening or yard work.
Lancaster Community Garden
FCHD started a community garden at the Lancaster Camp Ground in 2024, with six garden beds rented to community members plus one bed used for education. The garden was the most-requested HEAL initiative by the community in 2023 and was made possible through generous donations from many community partners.
To rent a garden bed or partner on the educational bed, contact Bethany Carson at . Learn more about the community garden.