Urban green spaces in high demand during coronavirus lockdown

Urban green spaces in high demand during coronavirus lockdown

By Liam Taylor  July 1st, 2020

A new survey has found the use of green spaces in Sydney increased dramatically during the coronavirus pandemic as people sought their exercise fix.

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A new survey has found the use of green spaces in Sydney increased dramatically during the coronavirus pandemic as people sought their exercise fix.

The data comes from the “Public Space During COVID-19" survey by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, which has been completed by more than 750 people since the beginning of May. The department is hopeful this increased access to urban green spaces will have had a positive impact on people’s feelings of wellbeing during the pandemic whilst also bolstering the case for even more green public spaces.

"Mounting global research is clear — accessible green space offers immense health, social and economic benefits," Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes told ABC News.

"Increased visits to our many parklands in recent months shows why we cherish our public spaces and why we must work together to enhance them."

The majority of people (72%) said local parks had been “especially useful” or “appreciated more” during COVID-19 restrictions. Almost half the respondents (46%) said they spent more time in public spaces than prior to COVID19 restrictions and 96% said personal exercise (walking, running, fitness exercise, cycling etc) is the top reason for using public spaces during the pandemic.

The survey reflects numbers already released by park authorities around Sydney, with Western Sydney Parklands recording a doubling in the number of visitors and Centennial Park visits up by 20%.

 

Positive Action

  • Get out and make the most of the green spaces in your local area, even some time in the back yard can do you good!
  • Find out more about the work being done to increase urban green spaces by Greener Spaces Better Places.

 

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Positive Environment News has been compiled using publicly available information. Planet Ark does not take responsibility for the accuracy of the original information and encourages readers to check the references before using this information for their own purposes.

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By Liam Taylor

Prior to joining Planet Ark Liam spent his time studying global environmental issues, travelling Southeast Asia on the cheap and working for a sustainable property management company in Bali, Indonesia. Joining the communications team at Planet Ark, he hopes to inspire positive environmental behaviour through effective and positive messaging.

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