City parks and Green Areas can provide many benefits to the environment. They can help reduce stress levels, improve air quality, and encourage people to get outside and enjoy nature. These things can lead to a better sense of community and increased physical activity. The presence of trees, flowers, and other vegetation can positively impact our mood and mental health.
But too few people take advantage of these benefits, and as a result, many city parks are underused and neglected. It is essential to raise awareness of the importance of these green spaces so that more people will take advantage of them. When people have access to parks, they are more likely to use them, and everyone will feel the benefits of these areas.
The following are some key benefits that have been linked to exposure to parks and other green spaces:
Pollution Control
Trees and other plants can help improve air quality by filtering out pollutants and releasing oxygen. The tree generates oxygen and absorbs carbon dioxide, one of the leading greenhouse gases responsible for climate change.
Trees and the soil under them also act as a sponge, absorbing rainfall and runoff before it has a chance to become polluted. This helps protect our waterways from pollution and reduces the risk of flooding.
Trees also absorb nutrients created by human activity, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which can pollute waterways. They act as natural air conditioners, providing shade and cooling the air through evapotranspiration. And they can provide a barrier against noise pollution. So, most communities are recruiting tree management professionals to create greenery.
Control Storm Water Run-off
Trees can also help reduce the risk of flooding by absorbing rainfall and runoff. When rain falls on trees, some of it is taken up by the tree through its roots and evaporates from the leaves, while the rest flows down to the ground. The tree’s roots help to hold the soil in place, preventing it from eroding by runoff. The tree’s canopy also helps slow down the flow of water, allowing it to soak into the ground rather than running off. This reduces the risk of flooding and helps to recharge groundwater supplies.
Public Health Benefits
People who live near parks and other green spaces have been shown to have better mental and physical health. They are less likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, and stress, and they have lower obesity, heart disease, and stroke rates.
Exposure to nature can also boost our immune system, increase our vitamin D levels, and improve our sleep patterns. Being in nature can also help us recover from illness and injury more quickly.
So, not only do parks and other green spaces provide environmental benefits, but they also directly impact our health and well-being. We all need to make more effort to get outside and enjoy the natural world.
Social Benefits
Parks and other green spaces can also help build a sense of community. When people have access to parks, they are more likely to use them, and everyone will feel the benefits of these areas.
People who live near parks and other green spaces have been shown to have better mental and physical health. Parks offer recreational opportunities such as playgrounds, sports fields, and bike paths. They also provide a place for people to gather and socialize with their friends and neighbors.
They employ low-income people and can help to reduce crime rates. They also increase the value of nearby properties, which benefits everyone in the community.
Tourism Benefits
Parks and other green spaces can also attract tourists to a community. This can help to boost the local economy and create jobs. People from all over the world come to visit Canada’s national parks, such as Banff National Park in Alberta and Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland. These parks offer a variety of recreational opportunities, such as hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.
Increases Property Value
Parks and other green spaces can also increase the value of nearby properties. This is because people are willing to pay more to live in an area with access to these amenities.
A study in the United States found that properties within 500 meters of a park were worth US$5000 more than similar properties that were not close to a park.
Overall, parks and other green spaces provide many benefits for both people and the environment. We need to make more of an effort to get outside and enjoy these areas to all reap the rewards.
