By Bernheim
Bernheim Forest and Arboretum is thrilled to announce a three-year partnership between Bernheim’s Children at Play Network and Aetna Better Health of Kentucky. Aetna’s support will help fund the creation of programs and resources designed to promote the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of children through nature-based play.
“Humans are part of nature, and so health cannot be separated from nature. This relationship strives to reinforce the benefits of nature for all children,” stated Dr. Mark K. Wourms, President and CEO at Bernheim Forest and Arboretum.
This collaboration will integrate nature-based play into Aetna’s Supporting Kentucky Youth (SKY) program, which serves youth in Kentucky’s child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Together, Aetna and Bernheim aim to inspire a paradigm shift, demonstrating that healthcare should include time spent in nature.
“Holistic health is at the heart of our mission to improve health outcomes across the state,” said Kelly Pullen, Executive Director of Aetna SKY. “Through this partnership with Bernheim Forest, we’re not just promoting health; we’re fostering a deep connection with nature that we believe is vital for the growth and well-being of every child in Kentucky. We’re excited to see our SKY kids enjoy the Kentucky outdoors in a brand-new way.”
At the heart of this initiative is the funding of a coordinator position at the Children at Play Network at Bernheim. Beginning on March 8, Playcosystem Coordinator, Zach Bramel, will lead Free Play Saturdays on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month at Bernheim. These free community events will welcome families from the SKY Program and the public to experience nature-based play at Playcosystem, Bernheim’s 17-acre natural playground.
“Nature has been scientifically proven to enhance mental, emotional, and physical health, and we are excited about the potential synergy between our organizations,” explained Claude Stephens, Director of the Children at Play Network at Bernheim Forest and Arboretum.
“Partnering with SKY is an excellent opportunity to help ensure that every child has a place in nature where they feel free, safe, healthy, empowered, and joyful,” continued Stephens.
Research underscores the critical importance of outdoor play for children’s development, yet fewer children have access to high-quality natural spaces. This partnership with Aetna works to address this disparity, championing the integration of nature-based play into healthcare initiatives to combat adverse health trends. Together we will demonstrate how innovative, community-driven approaches to play can enhance health and well-being for Kentucky’s children—and beyond.
Key initiatives launching in Playcosystem for 2025 include:
- Construction of a wheelchair-accessible treehouse, making Playcosystem even more inclusive.
- Completion of the Play Library, a dedicated space where children can borrow tools and materials to enhance their play, fostering creativity and exploration. All-terrain wheelchairs and other mobility devices will also be available for use at Bernheim.
- Public Training Programs: Classes and play facilitation training designed for educators, parents, and guardians, including families served by Aetna’s SKY program.
- The 2025 International Play Association Conference will be hosted in Louisville on October 22-25, with all sessions on October 24 taking place at Bernheim.
For more information on Playcosystem or Free Play Saturdays, presented by Aetna Better Health Kentucky, please visit bernheim.org/series/free-play-day.
About Aetna Better Health of Kentucky:
Aetna Better Health Kentucky is part of Aetna® and the CVS Health® family, one of the country’s leading health care organizations. The company has been serving who use Medicaid for over 30 years – from kids, adults and seniors to people with disabilities or other serious health issues.
