Urban Parks to Strengthen Physical and Mental Wellbeing

Urban parks can promote city dweller’s quality of life as it provides a medium for various social activities. It also beneficial for city dweller’s physical and mental health and improve the sense of community. Inhabitants of Anyang City in South Korea has a strong park-going culture, with a survey indicating that 75% of the respondents has more that one year experience of visiting the parks regularly. City of Anyang’s inhabitants particularly loves going to their neighbourhood parks with family and friends. 

The respondents suggest that they see various benefit of going to the park most significantly to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. The respondents also love going to the park as it provide space for their hobbies and leisure activities. Other purpose of the parks that respondents enjoy are the community interaction, a play and learn space for children as well as reduction of noise and temperature of the city. The study of 12 parks in The City of Anyang indicates the awareness of the inhabitants of urban parks’ critical role in providing city dwellers social and environmental benefits. Thus, it is crucial that city provide more urban parks so that everyone can have equal access and right to the health, social, environmental, and even mental benefits associated with parks. 

Reference:

Marshall, T., Jang, J. H., & Eom, B. H. (2019). Anyang Citizens' Awareness of the Effects of City Parks on City Dwellers. Journal of Environmental Science International, 28(12), 1183-1197.

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