Joanne Husain points out the value of parks in cities and communities. Natural spaces should be planned in urban developments, and maintained for trees and birds as well as for human health and well-being.
Urban parks are oases of green amid concrete landscapes. Tucked into bustling cities and densely populated neighbourhoods, these are designated spaces for recreation. An urban park is a mediated form of nature with purposeful landscaping bridging the urban and the untamed.
The aesthetics of the space is important, providing visual relief from the mass of man-made structures. Typically, these parks feature walking paths through landscaped gardens with an assortment of flowering shrubs and shady trees, with playing fields and scenic open areas. Think of our Botanical Gardens and the Savannah, and hope that they continue to be maintained for the trees: a place to find respite from the high octane life in the city.
Nature is the source of well-being, and urban parks bring nature’s benefits within city limits. Perhaps the most obvious benefit stems from their intended purpose as breathing spaces. Whether it’s a morning run, an evening stroll, children playing or yoga under the trees, urban parks encourage people, especially those who live nearby, to pursue healthier and more active lifestyles. Public parks help to lower barriers to physical exercise as they are free to use, allowing more people access to physical health benefits especially for those with sedentary lifestyles that give rise to non-communicable diseases.
Spending time in nature
Exercising and spending time in nature are linked to better emotional and mental well-being in people of all ages. For those who live and work in cities, nearby parks facilitate a pause from desk or screen. Simply looking at trees and breathing fresh air are natural mood enhancers. You become more mindful observing birds, butterflies, trees, flowers and clouds; they calm the nervous system. People who regularly engage in these spaces will reap the mental health benefits of improved mood and cognitive function.
[caption id="attachment_1116484" align="alignnone" width="768"] The Urban Ecological Park of Viana do Castelo features the installation of "Insect Hotels" to emphasise and support the crucial role of pollinators in the environment. - Joanne Husain[/caption]
Urban parks contribute to the social well-being of the people who use them. They are vital spaces for social interactions and help to foster a sense of community. Familiar and friendly faces may be seen on daily walks, while children develop foundational social skills through unstructured outdoor play. Larger parks often serve as venues for cultural and community events, festivals and markets, and even peaceful protests. People from all walks of life converge on common ground, forging real-world human connections in the face of digital isolation.
Benefits for all
Beyond aesthetics and human well-being, urban parks offer numerous environmental benefits. The presence of trees and plants become lungs for
