Amador Community Park

4301 Black Ave, Pleasanton, CA 94566, United States

Parks are emerging as important solutions for public health in urban communities. Almost 40 years of research evidence confirms that nature in the vicinity, including parks, gardens, urban forests and green areas, promotes human health and well-being. Research on active living and opportunities to avoid chronic diseases (such as diabetes, heart disease and respiratory problems) is particularly relevant in large parks where people can enjoy walking and cycling and playing fields. But the role of small parks and nature areas for health is equally important.

General Mood and Attitude improve.

A study comparing meditative and athletic walking in the forest and indoor environments showed that meditative walking in both environments produced more positive psychological effects than athletic walking. Other investigators found evidence of lower frustration and increased brain activity, reminiscent of meditation, when moving in green space versus being in retail and commercial areas without trees.

 Also, meditative walking in the forest was the most effective way to increase happiness, defined as the presence of positive emotional thinking. Psychologists know that being happy broadens the way a person thinks and acts in the daily flow of life’s efforts, creating positive intellectual and psychological resources.

Reduction of stress.

Stress is a major contributor to health problems. Unsolved, long-term stress can lead to problems with the immune system and illness. Nature’s experience is one antidote to stress, and the body’s positive response is remarkably rapid, occurring within minutes. Environmental psychologists ‘ studies show that visual exposure to nature, in the form of trees, grass and flowers, can effectively reduce stress, especially if initial stress levels are high.

Better Mental Health and Functionality.

Nearby experience contributes to better mental health and improves one’s ability to be productive according to Attention Restoration Theory. Modern life often requires a sustained focus on projects, which can lead to cognitive overload, irritability and inability to function effectively, often with physical symptoms. 

Views or brief experiences of nearby nature help to restore the mind from mental fatigue, as natural settings provide a respite from the highly focused attention needed for most tasks at school or at work. This may contribute to higher productivity at the workplace, as research shows that nature-based office workers are better able to perform tasks, report fewer illnesses and have higher job satisfaction. Increased natural experience time (up to 1.5 hours) increases the restorative effect.

Enhanced Mindfulness and Creativity.

Contemporary lifestyles are very busy, and there is a greater need for intentional time-outs to be thoughtful. Studies of mindfulness workshops for both mentally healthy and clinically depressed individuals show the benefits of improved mood, cognitive function and immune response. 

Nature settings offer sensory inputs that are mentally regenerative and can stimulate ideation. In the study of creative professionals, nature experiences have enhanced creativity by evoking new ways of thinking, promoting curiosity and encouraging more flexible thinking. Nature recharge can encourage creativity, as the restored mind is better at analyzing and developing ideas.