Forest Bathing Walk at Holladay Park: A Journey of Connection and Reflection
On a crisp but sunny January afternoon, Lloyd EcoDistrict welcomed 16 elders from across the neighborhood for a special Forest Bathing Walk at Holladay Park. Guided by certified forest therapist Bea Yeh, participants from Calaroga Terrace, Holladay Park Plaza, The Fountaine, and Cascadia Court Condos gathered to slow down, breathe deeply, and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the park.
For a couple of elders, this was their first time visiting Holladay Park—a reminder of how important it is to create opportunities for neighbors to explore and connect with the green spaces around them. One attendee even brought along their dog, making the experience even more heartwarming. The group included individuals of all mobility levels, with participants using power chairs, walkers, and canes, demonstrating how accessible and welcoming our parks and nature can be when inclusivity is prioritized.
The two-hour experience encouraged attendees to engage their senses fully—listening to the birds and rustling leaves, feeling the textures of tree bark, observing how the sunlight danced through the branches, and breathing in the crisp winter air. It was a new way to experience the park, and many participants found themselves seeing Holladay Park in a completely different light. Even the Lloyd EcoDistrict team members who joined (three of us, though not elders) discovered aspects of the park we had never noticed before—its varied tree species, the abundance of birds and squirrels, and the quiet, steady hum of community activity happening around us.
Perhaps one of the most meaningful aspects of the event was the community-building that naturally unfolded. As we moved through the park together, participants shared stories, exchanged contact information, and formed new connections. It was inspiring to witness a simple walk through Lloyd’s only significant public park turn into something much bigger—a space for relationships to bloom.
Our team also saw firsthand how these kinds of experiences can inform our work in designing an E-Mobility & Resiliency Hub at Holladay Park. Observing the different ways people interact with the space—how they move through it, where they feel comfortable resting, and what draws their attention—will help us create a more inclusive, welcoming environment for all.
A huge thank you to Bea Yeh of Luminous Together, whose expertise and gentle guidance made this event so meaningful. We are excited to host more of these walks in the future, continuing to invite our community to explore, connect, and rediscover the nature in our own backyard. Would you be interested in joining a future Forest Bathing Walk? Let us know—we’d love to have you!
