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- Info
How cities use parks to . . . improve public health
| Author: |
Frumkin, H.; Eysenbach, M.E. |
| Date: |
2003 |
| Periodical: |
City parks forum briefing paper 07. Chicago: American Planning Association. 4 p |
| Link: |
http://www.planning.org/cpf/pdf/improvepublichealth.pdf
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| Abstract: |
People value the time they spend in city parks, whether walking a dog, playing basketball, or having a picnic.Along with these expected leisure amenities, parks can also provide measurable health benefits, from providing direct contact with nature and a cleaner environment, to opportunities for physical activity and social interaction. A telephone survey conducted for the American Public Health Association found that 75 percent of adults believe parks and recreation must play an important role in addressing America's obesity crisis. Because of the different ways people experience parks, cities need to provide all types, from neighborhood facilities to large natural areas. In fact, many of the health benefits described below can be best achieved through small-scale, readily accessible sites. A full reckoning of the benefits of parks will better inform public policy about parks and provide a useful public health tool. |
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