By Allie Vanden Heuvel, Alliance Intern from University of Alabama at Birmingham MPH ‘25
Imagine a time you visited a park, beach, or nature reserve with loved ones. You’re chatting, enjoying nature and you get that swell of emotion in your chest. You’re grateful to be there, connecting to others and nature. I know you’ve felt it.
There is a scientific reason for that swell in your chest. Perhaps you’re just very happy or feeling the effect green space has on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
The Transformative Power of Green Spaces
Green space refers to land with natural vegetation (i.e. grass, trees, plants) that is accessible to the public, encompassing parks, trails, gardens, nature reserves, and more. The benefits of green space in our communities are immense, spanning from environmental to improved well-being.
Green space can actually help mitigate climate change! More plants means more carbon dioxide being absorbed. These areas also help improve air quality, reduce noise pollution, provide wildlife habitats, and moderate temperatures.
Even though the environmental benefits of parks and recreation areas are fantastic, the positive impact they have on the physical and mental health of communities is where my passion lies. Green space brings people together, encourages physical activity, and reduces stress and anxiety. It shocks me that a physical place can have such a profound positive impact on our lives.
Green Spaces: Nature’s Prescription for Physical and Mental Health
Green spaces play a vital role in encouraging physical activity by providing an inviting, natural environment for exercise and recreation. Parks, trails, and other open areas offer accessible places for walking, running, biking, and playing sports. They also reduce the risk of illness and injury by providing safe places to be active away from busy streets and commercial zones.
According to County Health Rankings, increasing green space significantly boosts physical activity levels, particularly among children and adolescents. Greenery and fresh air reduces stress and makes physical activity more enjoyable, fostering regular participation.
On top of this, the physical health benefits of accessible green spaces are extensive. Living near more recreation areas is associated with reduced deaths in adults from all causes! If this isn’t enough to convince you to live near parks and recreation areas, there are even more benefits to share. Proximity to parks and other recreation areas can:
- Decrease fatigue and tension
- Reduce heart rate
- Reduce blood pressure
- Reduce incidence of diabetes and stroke
- Reduce childhood obesity rates
- Reduce risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease
- Improve pregnancy outcomes
- Increase self-reported good health
Access to green spaces also offers significant mental health benefits that can enhance overall well-being. Exposure to natural environments is associated with increased positive feelings and a more optimistic outlook.
Research indicates that green spaces can lead to reduced depressive symptoms, lower stress levels, and improved mental well-being, particularly among children. Additionally, recreation areas provide opportunities for connection with neighbors, fostering stronger community relationships and a sense of belonging. These attachments further support emotional resilience and mental well-being.
Systemic Inequities in Urban Green Spaces and Health
A discussion on the benefits of green space cannot occur without acknowledging the fact that not all communities have the same level of access to parks and recreation areas. Stark disparities exist in access, utilization, and outcomes for different socioeconomic statuses, genders, racial and ethnic backgrounds, household incomes, and education levels.
For example, parks in non-white, lower income communities tend to be smaller and more crowded. Similarly, urban neighborhoods with lower income levels and more people of color consistently have less tree cover.
Increasing access to green space has the potential to decrease disparities in physical and mental health outcomes between socioeconomic groups. In fact, individuals with lower socioeconomic backgrounds reap more benefits from green spaces than those with high socioeconomic status, according to County Health Rankings.
Systemic biases have been built directly into the landscape, producing health inequities for underserved groups. Many cities have implemented programs and created additional green spaces to ensure all communities can see positive outcomes, but health inequities persist until they are adopted by every city.
Closing the Green Space Gap: Efforts Across the US
Numerous cities have taken steps to address inequities in park access, with efforts ranging from creating extensive trail systems to revitalizing underused parks. These initiatives demonstrate how improving access to green spaces can break down barriers, promote inclusivity, and contribute to healthier neighborhoods.
Connecting Neighborhoods in Maryland – Through collaboration between city agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community members, a 35-mile trail system was created to connect more than 60 neighborhoods. The trail provides equitable access to safe walking and biking infrastructure for all communities.
Renovation of Kiwanis Methow Park in Washington – Residents in the South Wenatchee community have limited access to green spaces, especially when compared to other neighborhoods in the area. Nonprofit groups and community leaders recognized this disparity and set out to renovate a rarely used park in the area. Kiwanis Methow Park now has quality equipment, improved soccer fields, and a pavilion for cultural events and health services.
Safe Paths to Parks in Arkansas – The Central Arkansas Library System recognized that a large interstate blocked lower income and Black or African American communities from War Memorial Park. In collaboration with Little Rock Parks and Recreation, they created a pedestrian and bicycle path that provided safe access to the park, eradicating the racial and class divide.
Uniting Communities Through Green Spaces: A Vision for Change
The profound impact of green spaces on our physical, mental and emotional well-being cannot be overstated. Parks and natural areas offer more than just recreational opportunities; they foster connections among individuals and communities while serving as vital resources for improving public health and addressing environmental challenges.
However, the stark disparities in access to these essential spaces highlight a critical need for systemic change. By advocating for equitable access to green spaces and supporting initiatives that bridge the gap in underserved communities, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to experience the transformative benefits of nature. Together, let’s work toward a future where green spaces are not just privileges for some, but a right for all.