Urban green space interventions and health: A review of impacts and effectiveness

Urban green spaces seem to provide a benefit to the population in cities, but not a lot is known about the most effective way to deliver this benefit and on who to ensure that the health, social and environmental benefit are increased in the best possible way. The report provides evidence and assesses local case studies on urban green space interventions.

Key findings show that positive health, environmental and social outcomes for all groups of population are delivered by improved and increased urban green spaces. Especially groups with a lower socioeconomic status benefit from the interventions. The report suggests that improved monitoring of urban green space management and its related health and equity impacts is needed.

Success factors based on local experience and urban practice state that multidisciplinary planning, community engagement and cross-sectoral, interdisciplinary collaboration in the planning process are key to urban green space interventions that provide a variety of functional opportunities and are attractive to different groups of population.

Most effective are obviously beside physical improvements also elements of participation and social engagement in the planning process and thereafter that ensures the promotion of the green space and also reaches out to additional and new groups of the population.