Benefits of parks, green spaces, walkways

CEBU, Philippines - America has left an indelible stamp on our psyche as a people, but it's still a wonder why their love of parks has not rubbed on to us totally.

As a resident a block away from the now way much more presentable Plaza Independencia, I would spend two of my weekends there to do brisk walking, simply to hang out with my son, and people-watch. Today's atmosphere of the plaza reminds me of that moment the Millennium Park in Lapu-Lapu (below the Marcelo Fernan Bridge) was newly opened. I would bring a book there, cross over the railings to that concrete ledge jutting out over the Mactan Channel, sit comfortably with back to railings, read a few chapters, enjoy the channel's breeze, watch clouds shape from an object to the next, munch on some chips, and then hie off at twilight. No beggars yet, no carolers then, and most of all, no religious groups handing over envelops or "sibut" (net) for love offerings, no strangers doing the sweet talk to lure you into buying certain goods. Just open space, and all the time in the world to thank that despite the waves of economic crunches, there's still air --- free of charge, enough to relieve the stress, the paranoia, depression, and other mental health stressors.

When I started hanging out at the Plaza Independencia late last year, there were moments I had to chuckle at the sight of lovers taking the public place as if it is their own living room. Good thing there are roving security guards today that, though not reprimanding, give a five-second low-tone lecture as to how to behave properly in public areas.

Recently, a group of students (what a shame, with school uniform and IDs on) took a short cut from the pavilion to a bench they saw was vacated by a couple taking their dogs on a late afternoon walk. So the guard had to blow his whistle hard, and pointed over at a sign planted on the ground which read: Keep off the grass!

They were apologetic, though, banking on excuses the signs are too small to catch attention and that they honestly didn’t know it was prohibited to take shortcuts. And since I was an earshot away, today's famous Bisdak jest came to mind: "Estoryaheee!" (Tell it to the marines!)

Love of parks (is there a scientific term for this such as parkophilia?) is an efficient and cheap tool for healing from both physical and inner pain brought about by major life issues.

Here are 10 reasons cited by gocolumbiamo.com why we should invest in more parks:

1. Public parks provide people the opportunity to be physically active.

Physical activity is an essential part of an individual's efforts to stay healthy, fight obesity and prevent chronic conditions that lead to coronary disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Having close-to-home access to places where one can recreate is one of the most important factors that would determine whether people will become active and stay that way.

2. Parks have true economic benefits. Proximity to a developed national, regional, or community park improves property value. The economic benefits of park and recreation areas are manifold, but one of the most significant is the increase in value of private land adjacent or near protected public land. The proximity of parks to residential areas leads to increased value of private land, a higher tax base and ultimately many economic benefits to a community including increased local and regional revenue from heritage tourism, steady jobs, and numerous small business benefits. Park and recreation areas are economic engines that improve the quality of life and make communities livable and desirable for businesses and homeowners.

3. Parks provide vital green space in fast-developing landscapes, and provide vegetative buffers to construction and development, thus reducing the effects of sprawl.

More importantly, parks and public lands also provide groundwater recharge areas, floodplain protection, natural sound barriers, stormwater protection from wetlands, reductions in island heat effects, and carbon uptake from abundant trees and vegetation.

Parks keep our living environment healthy.

4. Parks preserve critical wildlife habitat. As our nation develops and our rural, agricultural and forest landscape is being lost, open space and wildlife habitats are disappearing at an alarming rate. The connected network of local, regional, and national parks across our country provide permanently protected wildlife habitat corridors for thousands of indigenous and migratory wildlife species. In addition, stream valley parks and community parks allow natural wildlife to co-exist with people while providing enjoyment and educational opportunity for children and families.

5. Parks and recreation facilitate social interactions that are critical to maintaining community cohesion and pride. Parks provide a meeting place where community members can develop social ties, and where healthy behavior is modeled and admired. People gather to share experiences, socialize and to build community bonds in common green spaces. These public commons are often the glue that holds the community together and the means to maintaining and improving future positive social interactions.

6. Leisure activities in parks improve moods, reduce stress and enhance a sense of wellness.

In an increasingly complex world, more and more people are placing a high value on achieving the feelings of relaxation and peacefulness that contact with nature, recreation and exposure to natural open spaces bring. People go to the park to get in a better mood, to reinvigorate themselves and to decrease the anxieties of daily life.

7. Recreational programs provide organized, structured, enjoyable activities for all ages. The diverse range of recreational programs offered by public parks and recreation agencies offers all the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to successfully and confidently engage in sports, dance, crafts and other social activities. Public recreation leagues and classes offer seniors, adults and children alike the opportunity to interact with coaches and teachers who often turn into mentors and role models. Quality recreational programs facilitate safety, good sportsmanship and community participation.

8. Community recreation services provide a refuge of safety for at-risk youth. Many parents are rightfully concerned with the dangers of unstructured "hanging-out" or unsupervised after-school activities. Community recreation programs at public park and recreation facilities provide children with a safe refuge and a place to play, which are important in reducing at-risk behavior such as drug use and gang involvement. Recreational programs led by trained leaders offer children healthy role models and give valuable life lessons to help steer youth to a future of promise and opportunity for success.

9. Therapeutic recreation is an outlet that individuals with disabilities have to be physically active, socially engaged and cognitively stimulated. A goal of all public recreation agencies is to provide access to all people. Public park and recreation agencies act as providers of high-quality, life-enhancing therapeutic recreation programs and interventions.

Such programs prevent the on-set of secondary conditions due to inactivity; improve physical, social, emotional and cognitive functioning; and slow the onset of regressive conditions.

10. Public parks embody a human tradition of preserving public lands for the benefit and use of all. Humanity must develop a special relationship with their parks and public lands over and over again. A love of parks could serve as a defining characteristic of national identity. For example, the Americans love their parks, historical sites, national monuments, recreation areas and public open spaces because they bring such joy and pleasure to all people. In addition, the American public has shown time after time that they are willing to care for their parks, protect them, and pay for them.