Greenspaces: Revitalizing Mind, Body and…Planet?
It’s no secret that there is an obvious connection to physical and mental health and community greenspace. But, when we discuss the importance of greenspaces, these two influential factors are often omitted because of rapidly growing urban infrastructures, and topics such as cost, planning, use, maintenance, and revenue are dominant in the conversation. However, effective urban planning considers their placement and functionality, which make them moot points. The argument for community health – of both its residents and ecosystems – are more important considerations because the prosperity of a community is determined by the prosperity of its population.
Research has shown a disparity between greenspaces in urban versus suburban and rural communities. That’s kind of obvious, right? For example, building density and housing shortage are greater needs in urban environments, and rightfully so. As a result, though, the social inequalities and health disparities are jarring.
Let’s look at the facts:
The EPA found communities of color – black, brown, Hispanic, Latino and Asian communities – are exposed to more air pollution.
Urban Communities are disproportionately affected by food deserts, limiting access to fresh produce and healthy foods.
The Anxiety & Depression Association of America (AADA) reported that individuals living in cities are 21% more likely to develop an anxiety disorder and 39% more likely to develop a mood disorder.
Community greenspaces are a two-way street and provide these solutions:
Greenspaces provide support for local ecosystems with habitats for local soil organisms and native wildlife, pathogen control, water regulation, and air filtration. Subsequently, these ecological services are also sustainable solutions to the increasing occurrences of heat island effects.
A small cohort of university professors illustrate that an individual’s nature relatedness among urban population influences dietary health, increasing fruit and vegetable intake.
The National Recreation and Park Association suggests regular usage of greenspaces increases physical activity and decreases health complaints such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
An article written by faculty in the Department of Educational Sciences, Psychology, and Communication at The University of Bari, in Italy, published explains that positive associations were found between greenspaces and memory, attention, academic achievement and executive functioning among children.
The Oxford Dictionary defines greenspaces as an area of grass, trees, or other vegetation set apart for recreational or aesthetic purposes in an otherwise urban environment. Greenspaces don’t have to be large parks to have positive affects. For example, Connor Barwin — a Philadelphia Eagles great — and his foundation, Make the World Better, demonstrate that even the smallest vacant lot can be restored into a place for play or a hub for Chambers of Commerce looking to boost revenue for local merchants. #EffectiveUrbanPlanning
The case for a larger investment in greenspaces at the local and national level is easy to make. Here are some examples of how it’s working in the United States:
The Spruce Hill Bird Sanctuary (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
The High Line (New York City, New York)
The Beltline (Atlanta, Georgia)
