A new study conducted by the nonprofit Trust for Public Land has found that cities in the United States with well-maintained parks have more socially-connected residents. The study analyzed park systems in the 100 most populous cities in the country, with Chicago ranking 10th in the nation.
According to Trust for Public Land CEO Joanna Frank, living in a city with well-maintained parks can increase the likelihood of people from different socioeconomic and income levels mixing with each other by 26%. This is a significant finding as it highlights the importance of parks in promoting social cohesion and strengthening the social fabric of a community.
Frank, who is also the president and CEO of the Center for Active Design, explains that their research is based on an extensive evidence base of over 7,000 studies conducted globally. This means that the findings are not just based on a small sample size, but rather on a century’s worth of research. The Center for Active Design works to translate public health research into practical solutions for real estate firms to design public spaces that promote optimal health.
The evidence is clear – living near a well-maintained park not only increases physical activity but also has a significant impact on fighting social isolation. Frank emphasizes that social isolation can have the same effect on life expectancy as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. This is a startling revelation and highlights the importance of addressing social isolation in our communities.
For residents to feel a sense of ownership and belonging to a park, they must live within a 10-minute walk. This means that parks should be easily accessible to all members of the community. Trevona Banks, a resident of Chicago, and her husband live within a five-minute walk to the Lakefront Trail along Lake Michigan. They often visit the park and enjoy its beautiful scenery and friendly atmosphere.
Regina Walls, another resident of Chicago, agrees that living near a park has numerous benefits for one’s mental health. She enjoys spending time in nature and believes that parks provide a great opportunity for children to be active and make new friends. While Walls lives in Calumet City, she and her family have made it a tradition to spend Memorial Day at the beach near Lake Michigan. Her granddaughter, Aniyah, is excited for summertime and looks forward to playing on the slides at the park.
The benefits of living near a well-maintained park are not limited to physical and mental health. Parks also play a crucial role in promoting social interaction and creating a sense of community. They serve as a common ground for people from different backgrounds to come together and enjoy various activities. This is especially important in today’s society, where people are becoming increasingly isolated due to technology and other factors.
Moreover, the study also highlights the economic benefits of having well-cared for parks in a city. Parks attract tourists and visitors, which can boost the local economy. They also increase property values and make the surrounding areas more desirable to live in. This, in turn, can lead to increased investment and development in the community.
In conclusion, the Trust for Public Land’s study has shed light on the crucial role that parks play in promoting social connectedness and improving overall quality of life. Living near a well-maintained park not only benefits physical and mental health but also has a significant impact on fighting social isolation. It is essential for cities to prioritize the maintenance and accessibility of parks to create a more socially-connected and vibrant community. So, let’s make a conscious effort to visit and support our local parks, not just for our own well-being but for the betterment of our society as a whole.
