How can parks and recreation support our mental health and wellbeing?
June is recognized as Parks and Recreation month! For WRSPC Program Coordinator Karyn, visiting and enjoying parks continues to play an important role in maintaining her wellbeing. In today’s blog post, she explores four ways that parks and recreation can positively impact mental health and well-being: green space, physical activity, and social connections.
Green Space
Green space refers to any public space that has vegetation, forest, or woodlands- basically any place that is “green”! This can refer to large park spaces with playground equipment, as well as sports fields, conservations areas, and trail systems.
Green space can positively impact mental health through psychological mechanisms such as attention restoration theory, biochemical processes such as Vitamin D, and through providing opportunities for social interaction and physical activity (Roe and McCay, 2021).
Green space is important, especially in urban areas with multi-unit housing that may not have their own green or park space to enjoy.
Blue Space
Blue space refers to any accessible water features, whether man-made or natural. This could include splash pads, ponds, beaches, and water features such as fountains. What is important is that the space is available and accessible to the public.
Blue space contributes to positive mental health and wellbeing through psychological processes, temperature cooling, and through providing opportunities for social interaction and physical activity. For example, research has demonstrated that visual contact with water can decrease symptoms of depression, although this impact may differ depending on location (Roe and McCay, 2021).
In Waterloo Region, we are fortunate to have an incredible mix of natural and man-made blue spaces such as splash pads, pools, and the Grand River.
Physical Activity
Parks and recreation provide opportunities for physical activity, which is a key component of mental health and wellbeing. Physical activity releases endorphins which can help to improve mood; physical activity can also help to process and manage strong emotions which may be felt intensely in the body.
Physical activity can also positively impact mental health and wellbeing by contributing to an individual’s confidence and self-esteem as they improve their skills and abilities. Learning a new sport or participating in challenging physical activities can also build our resilience through increasing frustration tolerance and learning how to overcome difficult situations. Lastly, physical activities and recreational sports can be an opportunity to build new relationships and can contribute positively to someone’s sense of belonging.
Social Interaction
Social interaction and having positive connections with others are another key component of positive mental health and wellbeing. Parks can help individuals meet new people and develop meaningful connections by providing the safe and accessible spaces to gather. Parks also provide opportunities to participate in shared interests or activities, such as picnics, cultural events, and sporting activities like a pick-up soccer game.
Parks, including green and blue spaces, can also act as “bumping spaces” allowing individuals to bump into the same strangers regularly. Regardless of whether these interactions develop into deeper relationships, they still contribute to an individual’s sense of belonging.
Many Canadians are living in homes that do not provide good spaces to gather. Having safe and accessible spaces to gather, such as parks, is becoming increasingly important. If you are interested in learning more about the role of parks and recreation in wellbeing, or accessing local recreation opportunities in Waterloo Region, check out the resources below.
Resources for Further Learning:
Restorative Cities: Urban Design for Mental Health and Wellbeing by Jenny Roe and Layla McCay
Canadian Parks & Recreation Association
Recreation and sports – City of Kitchener