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.
- Earn a prize: visit 6 parks or events and receive your choice of a cup or cooler.
- Bonus credit: attend an unlisted public event in the county and add it to your passport for credit.
- Grand prize entries: for every 2 additional parks or events beyond the first 6, earn an entry to win the grand prize.
- Social media bonus: post a photo of your adventure and tag Fairfield County Health Department, Lancaster Parks & Recreation and Fairfield County Park District.
Completed passports can be submitted at the Fairfield County Health Department, the Lancaster Parks & Recreation office or the Mambourg Park Nature Center.
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.