Planning for sociable green spaces after COVID-19

ABSTRACT

Parks and green spaces have been thrust into the spotlight during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a strange way, academics were initially cheered by the national calls for parks to remain open. Parks and green spaces were highlighted as one of only a few destinations that people in lockdown in the UK were allowed to visit. That sounded like a description of an essential service. Academia and policy makers have long known about the social benefits of parks and green spaces. A recent review of nearly 400 papers highlighted six ways in which they support a healthy society. They enhance physical health, mental well-being and life satisfaction;create opportunities for social integration;support community engagement;highlight, and can address, inequalities;enable deeper connections with nature;and support healthy local economies. For parks to remain open, fiscal as well as political support is crucial. It therefore seemed that many were leaping to conclusions. However, they have been watching how the unfolding events challenge how they plan and manage parks and green spaces as sociable places. Here, what the pandemic has shown and what must be done to ensure that parks and green spaces remain the vibrant social places are explored.