Introducing Combined SHZ and Clothing Optional Zones
Safe Health Zones (SHZ) are designed to improve community wellbeing, support night shift workers, and provide restorative natural environments at minimal cost to councils. Within an SHZ, councils may choose to include a small, clearly marked clothing optional section for individuals who benefit from deeper nature immersion and sunlight exposure. Participation is always voluntary. The wider SHZ remains open to all members of the community.
These zones are created with clear boundaries, visual privacy measures, and respectful conduct guidelines. They are no different in principle from dog off-leash areas, quiet zones, sensory gardens, or bike trails, each serving specific community needs. The clothing optional section remains small, optional, and discreet, ensuring comfort for all park users.
SHZ, Councils and Employers
A Unified, Low-Cost Model for Community Health and Optional Naturist Wellbeing
Safe Health Zones are a groundbreaking initiative designed to support night shift workers, strengthen community wellbeing, and reduce the long-term health burden created by circadian disruption. Councils often ask how these zones can be implemented at low cost while ensuring they remain accessible, respectful, and beneficial to the wider community.
One effective method is to integrate SHZ precincts within existing public parks and reserves. These locations already provide natural environments ideal for stress recovery, sunlight exposure, grounding techniques, and mindfulness. By designating a small section of these SHZ areas as voluntary clothing optional zones, councils can enhance health benefits while minimising infrastructure costs.
Clothing optional sections provide improved sunlight exposure, support body confidence, and allow deeper nature immersion for those who choose it. These areas remain voluntary, discreet, signposted, and separated through vegetation or wooden visual barriers. Integrating both models creates an inclusive public health precinct accessible to all.
How Councils Convert Parks Into SHZ and Clothing Optional Areas
A Practical, Low-Cost Approach
Councils can establish multi-purpose restorative environments without acquiring new land or building specialised facilities. Most public parks already contain trees, open spaces, shade, and quiet areas that support SHZ wellbeing outcomes.
Conversion is achieved through simple and cost-efficient measures:
Edge Shrubs and Vegetation Buffers
Shrubs or layered vegetation along the boundaries of the clothing optional section provide natural visual privacy while maintaining the open character of the park.
Wooden Privacy Structures
Timber panels, low screens, or curved slat walls offer discreet separation. These are inexpensive, quick to install, and blend well with natural surroundings.
Use of Natural Terrain
Existing hills, tree clusters, or rock formations can form natural boundaries, increasing comfort for both naturist and textile visitors.
Pathway Adjustments
Redirecting walking paths around the designated section reduces accidental entry and improves safe use.
Clear and Respectful Signage
Polite signage defines acceptable conduct, indicates the voluntary naturist area, and ensures transparency for all park users.
This approach creates a harmonious, respectful environment that benefits both SHZ users and the wider community.
Briefing Note: Establishing SHZ and Clothing Optional Areas in Public Parks
Purpose
To outline a cost-efficient method for councils to create Safe Health Zones and voluntary clothing optional sections within existing parks to support community wellbeing and night shift worker recovery.
Background
Night shift workers face increased risks of cardiovascular disease, mental health decline, fatigue incidents, and circadian disruption. SHZ provides structured recovery environments aligned with preventive health strategies. A small optional naturist section can enhance these outcomes for individuals who benefit from deeper nature immersion.
Proposal
Designate a defined area within an existing public park as an SHZ precinct, with a small voluntary clothing optional section. This model requires minimal capital investment and provides broad public benefit.
Key Implementation Measures
Create soft privacy boundaries using shrubs, trees, or wooden panels.
Adjust walking paths for respectful movement.
Install clear behavioural signage.
Maintain open access for all visitors.
Add shade structures or benches if needed.
Benefits to Council
Low capital and maintenance cost.
Supports night shift workers and general community health.
Reduces social conflict through clear zoning.
Positions the council as an innovator in public health strategy.
Increases wellness tourism and local engagement.
Recommendation
That council officers undertake a site assessment to identify suitable public parks for SHZ integration and explore pilot implementation with support from NaturismRE.
SHZ and Clothing Optional Zones: Community FAQ
Is nudity required in an SHZ?
No. Clothing optional participation is voluntary. Most of the SHZ is for general wellness and night shift recovery.
Why include a clothing optional section?
Some individuals experience enhanced stress reduction, body confidence, and sunlight benefits through naturist practice. This provides an optional health extension for those who want it.
Will this affect families or general park use?
No. The naturist area is small, clearly marked, visually buffered, and optional. The rest of the park remains unchanged and fully open to everyone.
How is safety maintained?
Signage, visual boundaries, and respectful conduct guidelines ensure a safe, non-sexual, family-friendly environment.
Is this legal?
A designated council-managed area provides clarity and reduces complaints. Non-sexual naturist use is permitted when not offensive or disorderly.
Does the SHZ take over the whole park?
No. Only a small section is designated as clothing optional. The remainder is for general SHZ activities.
Will this cost ratepayers?
Minimal cost. Most infrastructure already exists within public parks. Only small enhancements are required.
Risk Management Measures for Councils
Clear Boundaries
Vegetation and timber screens create natural separation and reduce visual exposure.
Signage and Conduct Guidelines
Clear rules ensure the area remains respectful, safe, and strictly non-sexual.
Voluntary Participation
Entry into the clothing optional section is always optional, protecting community choice.
Location Selection
Selecting natural landforms or tree-covered areas increases privacy and community acceptance.
Accessibility Measures
Well-designed paths and signage ensure safe movement throughout the SHZ.
Monitoring and Review
Councils may pilot the area, collect feedback, and adjust based on community response.
This framework follows standard risk-management approaches used for dog off-leash zones, skate parks, mountain bike tracks, and sensory gardens.
Invitation to Councils and Employers
NaturismRE welcomes councils, employers, and community organisations interested in piloting or exploring Safe Health Zones. Our team can provide guidance, site assessments, and implementation support to ensure a respectful, cost-efficient, and health-focused precinct for local residents.