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RECREATION FEATURE

slow in responding to the dire need for green
spaces to alleviate the stressful pandemic
conditions. It is now time to advocate for
green spaces that address climate change,
health matters, social injustice and equitable
access to recreation and leisure facilities.

Place-making, equity, leisure and
environmental sustainability
Place-making refers to an inter-disciplinary
collaboration to co-create and re-shape
quality public spaces where people live, work
and play. Place-making initiatives are driven by
professionals including architects, landscape
architects, engineers, as well as transport,
roads, parks and recreation departments. The Children’s play area in a pocket park in Manhatten, New York. One section is for toddlers and the other for
involvement of government departments as children aged 6-11
well as the private sector is essential to create
vibrant communities. For a successful place-
making project, it is imperative to consult
with community members so that they
convey their needs and requirements within
the public space. Place-making is about
providing a space for community interaction
and a sense of belonging through urban
design.
It took a devastating pandemic to finally
accept the inefficiencies within the public
service and the undeniable need for a
paradigm shift towards providing quality
services for people. Not only did Covid
confirm that our health systems required
major review, but it also highlighted the
inequities which exist in disadvantaged,
underserved communities. Low-income
communities live in crowded accommodation
without clean, running water, placing them
at a much higher risk of infection and death.
Furthermore, these communities did not
have access to quality parks and recreational
spaces for relief when regulations eased.
As professionals in the fields of landscape
architecture and recreation, we have an
opportunity to embrace the lessons learned
from Covid-19, and to re-imagine, revitalise
and redesign public spaces for the public
good. A paradigm shift towards greener
public spaces will achieve the benefits
of parks and recreation by improving
communities, environmental stewardship,
individual healthy lifestyles and promotion of
the economy. Parks and open green spaces
bring people together, promote physical
activities, improve mental well-being, and are
vital factors for environmental protection.

More awareness A farmers’ market in Manhatten, New York, selling fresh organic produce. These markets grew substantially
Covid-19 and environmental degradation during Covid when the New York Parks and Recreation Department created additional outdoor spaces for
have made people more aware of the people to enjoy
importance of green spaces. The visibility
of trees has a positive impact on mental
health and wellbeing. Cities with a large Spending time in outdoor nature spaces environment with the therapist. Walking
canopy cover of trees create cooler spaces provides a setting that is calm but that can outdoors in nature provides a healthy dose of
in summer, cleaner air and reduce pollution also be physically active, such as hiking or fresh air, is calming and helps with treatment
and noise. Creating leafy suburbs will lead trail running, which is always appealing as programs for depression, stress and other
to more people spending time outdoors to an adventure outing or just for fun. Being in mental health disorders. Studies have
engage in physical activity or socialise with nature offers many opportunities for both shown that exposure to parks, mountains,
friends. Planting more trees in urban settings individual and group therapy. Outdoor beaches, water or forests has a therapeutic
will help to control stormwater drainage and therapy is an informal, nature-based effect on health and wellbeing. To improve
reduce the effects of flood damage. approach where clients spend time in a green overall health and wellbeing in the cities,
n

18 Landscape SA • Issue 121 2023