3.1. The Importance of Parks and Open Space

3. EVIDENCE FOR ACTION

3.1. THE IMPORTANCE OF PARKS AND OPEN SPACE

Our parks, sport and recreation facilities are critical for community health and wellbeing, helping to benefit our community:

Physically and mentally by promoting physical activity and active lifestyles, reducing illness and disease, improving mental health and creating a sense of wellbeing.

Socially by generating stronger and more connected communities with improved social interaction and inclusion.

Environmentally by developing well-planned and attractive settings encouraging active transport and use of public parks and leisure services and helping to reduce temperature, mitigate urban heat island effects, improve air quality ecosystems and biodiversity. Economically by assisting to reduce health care cost through reduction in disease and illness associated with lack of physical activity and social interaction, and providing local employment and investment opportunities.

Evidence from around the world for building cities and regional areas around public open space, active recreation areas, green streets and walking and cycling infrastructure, has repeatedly demonstrated this approach will deliver improved health, social cohesion, vibrant local economies, productivity, and environmental benefits.3

3 State of New South Wales (Department of Planning, Industry and Environment - GANSW) 2020 Draft Greener Spaces Design Guide