Recreation and Therapy in Urban Forests—The Potential Use of Sensory Garden Solutions

Alina Zajadacz,Anna Lubarska,Sandra Wajchman-Świtalska

doi:10.3390/f12101402

Alina Zajadacz, Anna Lubarska + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/f12101402

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Abstract

Urban forests are not only woodlands or groups of trees, but also individual trees, street trees, trees in parks, trees in derelict corners, and gardens. All of which are located in urban and peri-urban areas and diversify the landscape and provide a wide range of social benefits. Sensory gardens play a specific therapeutic and preventive role. Designing such gardens as a recreational infrastructure element can successfully enrich urban forests. Following the principles of universal design may provide enjoyment for all city-dwellers, with special attention given to the needs of individuals with disabilities. We studied 15 gardens and one sensory path located in various regions in Poland. The inventory was carried out on the basis of the features considered important in spatial orientation by blind and partially sighted people. The results showed that the solutions used were only partly adequate for the needs of selected users. We found neither tactile walking surface indicators (e.g., communication lines and terrain), spatial models, nor applications in mobile devices. However, these could be useful for all visitors. We confirmed that although problems with the use of forest tourist space are dependent on the type of disability, by implementing the idea of universal design for all elements of recreational infrastructure, forests may be accessible for all users.

Highlights

Forests, due to their relatively large area and free accessibility, are most often used in recreational activities [1]
Research has shown that physical activity in the natural environment is preferable to physical activity in a closed space in terms of the feeling of relaxation, well-being, and the reduction of stress and aggression [2]
The real barriers include a lack of knowledge, health problems, social inefficiency, and physical and mental dependence

Summary

Introduction

Due to their relatively large area and free accessibility, are most often used in recreational activities [1]. Undertaking tourist and physical activities by people with disability (PwD) is much more complicated than in the case of non-disabled people. For disabled people, participating in tourism and recreation activities presents real barriers—environmental and interactive— which make it difficult [3]. These barriers result directly from the type of disability or are indirectly related to it (e.g., overprotection of parents or guardians and inadequate education), and they are primarily internal barriers. The real barriers include a lack of knowledge, health problems, social inefficiency, and physical and mental dependence. Among the environmental barriers are attitude, architecture, ecology, transport, and laws and regulations. Interactive barriers include non-adaptation of the ability to challenge and communication barriers

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