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Prepared by: Sandhya Muralidharan, Fall 2023
In recent years, an increasing body of research has been compiled highlighting the benefits of having a local park. A local park is usually under the ownership and upkeep of local government authorities or community organizations.
In recent years, an increasing body of research has been compiled highlighting the benefits of having a local park. A local park is usually under the ownership and upkeep of local government authorities or community organizations.
Parks offer opportunities for physical activity and have been linked to enhanced mental health, increased social interaction, and a reduction in stress, all of which contribute to the health and vitality of nearby communities.
Parks offer opportunities for physical activity and have been linked to enhanced mental health, increased social interaction, and a reduction in stress, all of which contribute to the health and vitality of nearby communities.
Image Source: Courtesy of Greenfields Outdoor Fitness
Positive Impact on Well-Being
Positive Impact on Well-Being
The National Center for Biotechnology Information studied how parks affect several indicators of subjective well-being at the local level. They examined the connection between urban parks and the Wellbeing Index (WBI), taking into account five areas of well-being, using 2014 data from 44 US locations. The findings revealed that extensive park networks improve urban quality of life by having a favorable impact on numerous areas of health and wellbeing in communities.
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Promoting Active Lifestyle and Enhancing Health
Promoting Active Lifestyle and Enhancing Health
Research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, highlights that the availability of parks and green spaces serves as a catalyst for increased physical activity, yielding significant benefits for both individual and community health. This, in turn, results in higher rates of regular exercise, which is crucial for sustaining a healthy lifestyle. Moreover, studies, such as those by Cohen et al. in 2017, have demonstrated that incorporating walking paths or loops within neighborhood parks boosts levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity and also substantially increases park usage by up to 85 percent.
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Community Engagement and Social Benefits
Community Engagement and Social Benefits
The Trust for Public Land's research shows that voter approval rates for bond measures to buy parks and preserve open spaces exceeded 75%, underscoring the public's unwavering belief that parks should be a top priority for government spending. In addition, research from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods shows a correlation between community involvement in neighborhood parks and lower rates of crime and vandalism, highlighting the important social benefits connected to these green spaces. Additionally, findings from a thorough analysis of park systems in the 100 largest U.S. cities show how parks play a variety of roles in promoting community health and well-being, from innovative partnerships that get kids outside to various programs like camps, sports leagues, and fitness and also offer critical support to seniors during times of crisis.
Sources:
Sources:
Browning, William, Catherine Ryan and Joseph Clancy. 2014. 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design: Improving Health & Well-Being in the Built Environment. New York: Terrapin Bright Green llc.
"Why Parks are Important." BREC (Baton Rouge Recreation and Park Commission), https://www.brec.org/WhyParksareImportant#:~:text=Parks%20provide%20intrinsic%20environmental%2C%20aesthetic,and%20workers%2C%20and%20attract%20retirees.
"Benefits of Parks in Your Community." Miracle Recreation, https://www.miracle-recreation.com/blog/benefits-of-parks-in-your-community/.
"Impact of Green Spaces on Urban Public Health," National Center for Biotechnology Information, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4824524/.
"Importance of Parks and Recreation." Eastern Kentucky University, https://recreation.eku.edu/importance-parks-and-recreation.
"Parks Promote Health: A Research Synthesis," The Trust for Public Land, https://www.tpl.org/parks-promote-health-report.
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