The Power of Beauty: The Importance of GreenSpaces in Our Communities

People Walking in a Park. Picture by KERA News.

This past February, members of KKB’s staff had the opportunity to travel to San Diego to attend Keep America Beautiful’s annual conference. The conference’s theme was The Power of Beauty, discussing the impacts that greenspaces have on humans and why it is important to preserve and care for the greenspaces that we have as well as create new ones. Greenspaces impact us in a variety of ways, and we would like to share some of the major points discussed about why exactly greenspaces are so important.

Improve physical health

This might seem like a bit of a no brainer, but having access to public parks and greenspaces promotes healthy living. According to a study done by the University of Sheffield, not only do greenspaces influence the likelihood of physical activity, but it also influences the frequency. An individual is more likely to visit a public park more frequently if they have easy access, whether that is within walking or short driving distance or accessible by a bus route or other form of public transportation.

In addition, Dr. Aruni Bhatnagar, a Professor of Medicine at the University of Louisville and a speaker at the Keep America Beautiful conference, asserted that proximity to greenspaces is associated with a decrease in cardiovascular mortality. Since coronary heart disease is a global epidemic and it is only getting worse, this is good news. Utilizing greenspaces as a way to stay active can improve not just your overall health, but heart health specifically.

Improve mental health

Hummingbird and flower. Photo by Silviu Zidaru on Unsplash

In addition to physically feeling better, greenspaces also positively impact our mental health. Visiting a park or greenspace brings alleviation of stress and anxiety and improves mood. Contact with nature – running through grass, bird watching, listening to the rush of a creek – connects us to our surroundings and gives us a break from the cognitive challenges that make up our days. In fact, a study done by the Natural History Museum in London found that 73% of people reported hearing louder birdsong during the COVID lockdown and many said that it comforted and calmed them during this time of crisis. Birdsong – and in fact, all forms of nature – are an indication of life, making us feel safe and less lonely.

Provide homes for wildlife to survive

Human aren’t the only ones who benefit from greenspaces – they are also crucial to animals for their survival. Greenspaces are often home to many types of wildlife, whether it be birds singing in the trees, the butterflies visiting native flowers, or the fish swimming in the lakes. These animals find shelter and food in greenspaces, allowing them to settle and thrive in our communities. As mentioned above, hearing birdsong can bring comfort to humans, but those birds must have a tree to nest in and insects or seeds to feed on, and having greenspaces near or around our homes and workplaces keep this crucial and comforting wildlife close to us.  

Decreases gun violence

Krutch Park. Photo by The Balltower.

Greenspaces don’t just create positive impacts on us as individuals, but also for the community at large. A study done by the University of Michigan School of Public Health and Keep Indianapolis Beautiful looked at 36 spaces in which vacant or abandoned lots were turned into vibrant community greenspaces. This was analyzed alongside 36 comparable spaces where no action was taken. The study found that there was a 12% reduction of gun violence within a mile radius of each greenspace created. While further studies will be done to understand the impact, the conclusion that greenspaces have a calming effect on violent crime is an exciting one that can greatly impact communities grappling with gun violence.

Lowers temperatures

On a hot day, would you rather stand under a tree by a lake or on the sidewalk next to a tall skyscraper? Of course most of us would pick the tree by the lake, as it provides a naturally cooler respite. This increase of temperature with little relief in urban areas is known as the urban island heat effect. The urban island heat effect refers to trapped heat in heavily populated areas. The heat generated from people, transportation, and industry becomes trapped in the narrow roads and concrete structures, having nowhere to escape. This creates a “heat island” effect, in which daytime temperatures in urban areas can be up to 7 degrees higher than temperatures in nearby rural areas. Greenspaces like trees, parks, and bodies of water cool the surrounding area by providing shade and offering cool breezes. Incorporating greenspaces into urban areas help bring the temperatures down and can provide relief to anyone living or working in these dense urban areas.