There’s no denying that spending time in nature can have a positive impact on your mental and physical well-being.

But, did you know that the shape of your local park can also play a role in your lifespan? Recent studies have shown that the shape and design of public green spaces can affect how much physical activity people engage in, which, in turn, correlates with lifespan.

The Benefits of Public Green Spaces

Public green spaces, such as parks, playgrounds, and urban gardens, have become increasingly popular in cities around the world. These spaces offer opportunities for outdoor recreation, social interaction, and even community events.

Studies have shown that spending time in nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

But, the benefits of public green spaces aren’t limited to just mental and physical health. They can also affect lifespan.

According to a study from the University of Exeter, people who lived within walking distance of green spaces had a significantly lower risk of premature death compared to those who didn’t have easy access to parks or gardens.

The Impact of Park Shape

While having access to a local park is important, the shape and design of that park can also play a role in how much physical activity people engage in.

According to a study from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, parks with more edges, curves, and irregular shapes encourage more physical activity compared to parks with simple, rectangular shapes.

The reason for this is simple – irregularly shaped parks provide more opportunities for people to explore and move around.

People are more likely to take different paths, walk around more, and generally engage in more physical activity when there are more things to explore and interact with. In contrast, rectangular parks provide fewer opportunities for exploration, which can lead to more sedentary behavior.

Other Factors That Impact Park Use

While park shape is an important factor to consider, it’s not the only thing that affects how much physical activity people engage in. Other factors include:.

Accessibility – Parks that are easily accessible by foot, bike, or public transportation are more likely to be used by people
Cleanliness and Maintenance – Parks that are well-maintained and clean are more attractive to people than those that are dirty or poorly maintained
Safety – Parks that are perceived as safe are more likely to be used by people, while parks that are perceived as unsafe or high-risk may deter people from using them
Amenities – Parks that offer amenities such as playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas are more likely to be used by people than those that don’t have any amenities

The Importance of Urban Planning

Given the importance of public green spaces for mental and physical health, as well as lifespan, it’s crucial that urban planners consider these factors when designing and creating public spaces.

This includes considering park shape, as well as accessibility, cleanliness, safety, and amenities.

By prioritizing public green spaces and designing them in a way that encourages physical activity and exploration, we can help create healthier, happier, and longer-living communities.

Conclusion

The shape of your local park may seem like a small factor, but it can play a significant role in how much physical activity you engage in, and ultimately, your lifespan.

By prioritizing public green spaces and designing them in a way that encourages exploration and movement, we can help create healthier, happier, and longer-living communities.