Green Space Research Articles

Remote Sensing - Based Analysis of LST and NDVI Correlation for the Coolest and Hottest Month of 2023 in Khanaqen City

Urban land cover characteristics often lead to variations in surface temperature. Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are valuable tools for obtaining detailed information about surface indices. This study evaluates the temporal variation of Land Surface Temperature (LST) in Khanaqen city, located in South eastern Iraqi Kurdistan and Eastern Iraq. The research investigates the relationship between LST and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) for the coolest and hottest month of 2023 using Landsat images from the USGS Earth Explorer. The objective is to explore how green spaces influence LST during the cool, humid winter and hot, dry summer. Two satellite images from Landsat 9 were used to retrieve LST and NDVI for the study periods. The results indicate that green spaces significantly reduce LST in July, so that the result of the correlation analysis of variables, significant inverse correlation between LST and NDVI (R = -0.53, R2 = 0.28 and P value = 0.00) highlights the effect of vegetation cooling. Conversely, January shows a modest correlation (R = -0.01, R2 = 0.00, and P value = 0.90), indicating a minimal effect of vegetation cover on LST.

Assessing pollinator richness on urban-grown mountain mint (Pycnanthemum spp.) populations

ABSTRACT Pollinators provide important ecosystem services in human-developed areas, including pollination for urban green spaces and agriculture. As developers aim to become more eco-friendly, understanding pollinator dynamics in these settings will help enhance pollinator services. Mountain mint plants (Pycnanthemum spp.; Lamiaceae) are commonly grown in urban green spaces and may provide resources to a large range of pollinators. There is a limited understanding, however, of the Pycnanthemum spp.–pollinator relationship. In this study, we used visual monitoring and DNA barcoding to evaluate flower visitor richness over the extended bloom duration of two native species of Pycnanthemum spp. in the greater Richmond area of Virginia (USA). We recorded a total of 85 taxa on Pycnanthemum muticum and 43 on Pycnanthemum tenuifolium flowers. In most cases, our visual monitoring results were confirmed or refined with DNA barcoding, enabling us to build a flower visitor barcode library for the region. The taxon assemblages varied between the two observed Pycnanthemum spp. in general, and over time, demonstrating that these plant species provide resources across taxa and are therefore good candidates for bolstering pollinators when developing urban green spaces.

Potential of Selected Species of Spiraea L. for Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals from Soils of Urban Areas

Four taxa of Spiraea were selected for this study: S. × cinerea Zabel ‘Grefsheim’, S. nipponica Maxim. ‘Snowmound’, S. splendens É. N. Baumann ex K. Koch and S. × vanhouttei (Briot) Carrière growing for a minimum of 5 years along heavily trafficked traffic routes. This study included the genus Spiraea due to its popularity in horticultural practice (commercial availability, widespread in urban environments). In addition, the use of ornamental shrubs for phytoremediation in urban green spaces effectively combines the aesthetic needs of residents with those of caring for the urban environment. This study was conducted in Poznań (population 550,000, the fifth largest city in Poland). Soils and foliage were examined in spring and autumn. Soil pH and specific electrolytic conductivity (EC) were determined. The content of micronutrients (Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn) and toxic heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Pb) in soil dry matter and leaves was determined. The uptake capacity of bioavailable forms of heavy metals by Spiraea from the soil was analyzed by determining the bioconcentration factor (BCF). It was found that the studied taxa meet the basic requirements for plants used for soil phytoremediation processes, especially for chromium phytoextraction. The degree of salinity of the tested soils did not pose a threat to the shrubs growing there, and most of the sites, despite the alkaline reaction, are suitable for their cultivation. S. × cinerea and S. × vanhouttei have BCFs for lead <1. The remaining taxa are characterized by strong concentrations of all analyzed elements. A particularly high BCF, above 10, was recorded for chromium and high for manganese and nickel.

Impact of urban landscape patterns on butterfly diversity in Fuzhou City parks

Butterflies are crucial bioindicators of urban environmental changes. Utilizing urban green spaces to create ecological corridors and habitats is essential for maintaining biodiversity. Therefore, understanding the factors that influence landscape patterns in urban green spaces and their impact on butterfly diversity is crucial. This study investigated how landscape patterns in urban green spaces affect butterfly diversity through a year-long survey across 24 urban parks in Fuzhou. The main findings were as follows: (1) A total of 7786 butterflies from 59 species were recorded, with the highest species diversity and richness observed in Fushan Country Park. Seasonal abundance peaked in summer, while richness was highest in autumn. Species composition varied significantly across park types. (2) Monophagous butterfly diversity was positively correlated with woodland proportion and negatively to waterbody proportion. Polyphagous and oligophagous butterfly diversity showed positive correlations with woodland aggregation index and grassland proportion, but negative with construction land proportion. Factors such as the woodland proportion and grassland proportion influenced butterfly diversity in different activity spaces. (3) Butterfly communities with different feeding types and vertical activity space ranges responded differently to landscape pattern indices. Seasonal variations indicated that polyphagous butterflies and those occupying the middle activity space exhibited similar responses to environmental factors.

Differences in Changes of Mobility Patterns Across the Globe—Evidence From a Natural Experiment

ABSTRACTThe impact of population mobility and transportation choices on the environment is significant. Sustainable mobility policies require an understanding of evolving mobility patterns. This study examines global mobility variations across countries using COVID‐19 Community Mobility Reports. Employing the k‐medoids algorithm and Dynamic Time Warping, we analyzed mobility dynamics. Results reveal diverse changes in population mobility. Around 52 Global North countries exhibit approximately 10% reduction in professional activity‐related traffic post‐COVID‐19. Regarding urban green space mobility, only 29 countries exhibit strong seasonality, with summer traffic in the northern hemisphere peaking at about 150% higher than winter traffic. Three groups of countries are identified concerning public transport mobility: returning to pre‐pandemic levels, experiencing a 25% increase, and nearly doubling from pre‐pandemic levels. This underscores the key determinants for sustainable mobility policy implementation. Fifteen highly developed countries share similar mobility patterns across six areas studied, facilitating the exchange of sustainable mobility solutions and best practices. This research underscores the importance of understanding and addressing evolving mobility patterns for effective environmental policy planning.

Psychosocial factors mediate social inequalities in health-related quality of life among children and adolescents

BackgroundThe present analysis aimed to assess the mediating role of psychosocial and behavioural factors in socio-economic inequalities in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among children and adolescents.MethodsCross-sectional data was drawn from the randomly selected SEROCoV-KIDS cohort study in Geneva, Switzerland. Associations of socio-economic conditions (parents’ highest education, household financial situation) with HRQoL, psychosocial (parent–child relationship, school difficulties, friends, extracurricular activities) and behavioural factors (screen time, physical activity, green spaces time, sleep duration), along with associations of psychosocial and behavioural factors with HRQoL, were evaluated with generalized estimating equations. Counterfactual mediation analyses were conducted to test pathways linking socio-economic conditions to HRQoL.ResultsOf 965 children and 816 adolescents, those with disadvantaged financial circumstances were more likely to have a poor HRQoL (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR]: 3.80; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.96–7.36 and aOR: 3.66; 95%CI: 2.06–6.52, respectively). Psychosocial characteristics mediated 25% (95%CI: 5–70%) and 40% (95%CI: 18–63%) of financial disparities in HRQoL among children and adolescents, respectively. Health behaviours were weakly patterned by socio-economic conditions and did not contribute to financial differences in HRQoL.ConclusionsThese findings provide empirical evidence for mechanisms explaining socio-economic disparities in child HRQoL and could inform interventions aimed to tackle health inequalities.

Managing Green Space to Achieve Sustainability of Infrastructure at IPB University

IPB University, Indonesia, has 18 campuses and is designed as a sustainable university. With a total area of 1669 Ha, IPB University has been beneficial in managing the massive area of campus site infrastructure. Managing the infrastructure development that considers the open space, including the forests, planted vegetation, and the ground surface for water absorption, is essential to achieve the sustainability of the infrastructure at IPB University. This paper presents the lessons learned from IPB University's campus setting in managing infrastructure development, focusing on developing open space, forests, and planted vegetation. Managing infrastructure development on campus to support the increasing number of students and the development of education, research, and campus activities faces various challenges. For this, IPB University provides a master plan as a policy and control system to ensure that all developed infrastructure has the goal of supporting campus activities and is highly considered for the sustainability of open spaces on campus.

Green and blue spaces residential exposure over childhood and multimorbidity in adolescence

Abstract Background Previous studies have explored associations of exposure to natural spaces with specific adverse health outcomes over childhood. However, knowledge is lacking on its effects on multimorbidity, defined as the co-occurrence of two or more diseases in the same individual. We aimed to assess the associations between exposure to green and blue spaces, at multiple time points and through trajectories over childhood, with multimorbidity in early adolescence. Methods In 2388 children from the Generation XXI birth cohort, we assessed, at birth, 4, 7 and 10 years, the residential greenness through the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), the distance from the child’s residence to the closest green and blue space, and the presence of green and blue space (>5,000m²) within 300m distance from the child’s residence. We identified, from birth to 10 years, longitudinal trajectories of exposure to green and blue spaces, using latent class mixed models. At 13 years, participants were classified as having 0, 1 or ≥ 2 cardiometabolic, respiratory and/or neurodevelopmental adverse health outcomes. Adjusted multinomial logistic regression models were used. Results The prevalence of multimorbidity at 13 years was 43%, with overweight/obesity (35%), allergies and asthma (30%), and dyslipidemia (26%) as the most common adverse health outcomes. We observed that the presence of green spaces > 5,000m² within a distance of 300m at birth, 4, 7, and 10 years was associated with lower odds of developing multimorbidity (Odds Ratio (OR) [95% CI] 0.55 [0.32-0.95]; 0.52 [0.32-0.84]; 0.51 [0.32-0.82]; 0.51 [0.32-0.80], respectively). No other significant associations were observed. Conclusions Green spaces around the child’s residence seem to have a protective effect on the development of multimorbidity at 13 years. These findings reinforce the importance of urban design, and the creation of green spaces close to residential areas to optimize health across childhood and adolescence. Key messages • The prevalence of multimorbidity at 13 years is high and worrying. • Increasing accessibility to green spaces might decrease the risk of multimorbidity in adolescence.

Socio-economic gradients in urban green space access and respiratory health

Abstract Background This study investigates social disparities as one of the drivers influencing the access to green spaces and exposure to natural environments, potentially exacerbating disparities in respiratory health in children. Methods Longitudinal ELSPAC birth cohort study data included 4384 complete case participants born in cities of Brno and Znojmo, examined throughout the years 1990-2010. Estimates on socio-economic status (SES) scores of children’s parents and their education were used as socio-economical predictors. Tree cover density (TCD) calculated as mean canopy closure percentage in the individual walking distance neighbourhoods and the ownership and accessibility of a garden were used as indicators of green space accessibility. Multiple logistic regression models were employed to estimate odds ratios for predictors of respiratory health outcomes, controlling for several confounders. Results Parents’ SES was found to be positively associated with neighbourhood TCD, and this effect was even more pronounced for garden owners. Higher tree cover was then significantly negatively associated with development of acute bronchitis (OR 0.88, CI 95 % 0.84-0.94 for 1 SD of tree cover), while not having a garden (OR 1.81, CI 95 % 1.42-2.33) and living in area with lower tree cover (OR continuously decreasing from 1.88 to 1.68 for lowest and highest quartile respectively) was significantly associated with progression of acute bronchitis into chronic bronchitis in a fully adjusted model. Vice versa, higher tree cover was statistically significantly positively associated with development of allergic rhinitis (OR 1.09, CI 95 % 1.03-1.15), suggesting viability of the novel method of estimation of individual neighbourhood greenness. Conclusions The results suggest protective effect of access to urban green spaces against adverse respiratory outcomes in children. The socially uneven distribution of access emphasizes the importance of urban policies in promoting urban health. #NGEU Key messages • There is a significant protective effect of access to green spaces against respiratory diseases and their progression. • There’s an unequal, but varied distribution of access to green spaces, and social gradient in health, highlighting the importance of urban green space distributive politics.

Assessment of dyna clue model for prediction of spatio-temporal dynamics of urbanisation and green space in Jaipur district, Rajasthan (India)

Urbanisation in Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital, has significantly impacted land use and land cover (LULC) over the past four decades. This study addresses the pressing issue of how rapid urban expansion affects green spaces and environmental balance. Utilizing satellite imagery and a support vector machine (SVM) algorithm, LULC maps for 1993, 2003, 2013, and 2023 were generated to analyze changes in land cover, including agriculture, barren land, built-up areas, vegetation, wasteland, fallow land, and water bodies. The Dyna-CLUE model, incorporating variables such as elevation, slope, aspect, and proximity to streams and roads, was employed to forecast LULC changes for 2033 and 2043. The findings reveal a marked increase in built-up areas at the expense of vegetative cover, driven by urbanization, infrastructural development, agricultural expansion, climate change, and policy decisions. With Kappa coefficients indicating high agreement between classified land cover and ground truth data (84–90% accuracy), the study projects continued urban growth and further decline in vegetation. This underscores the urgent need for sustainable land use planning and environmental conservation in Jaipur. Proposed strategies to address these issues include establishing ecological zones, enforcing green building regulations, promoting mixed-use development, and implementing a 15-min green space policy. These measures aim to enhance green space distribution and support Jaipur’s transition towards a greener urban environment.

Greenness and mortality in an industrialized area in Southern Italy: a health impact assessment study

Abstract Background In Taranto the effects of industrial installations have been studied, but less attention has been placed on the impacts of green-oriented policies. The “3-30-300” rule states that every citizen should have 30% tree-canopy-cover in their neighborhood and not live more than 300m away from the nearest green space. In this Health Impact Assessment (HIA) study, we aimed to quantify the deaths that could be prevented in population aged ≥20 years by implementing this policy in Taranto. Methods Population weighted exposures (PWE) to green spaces (10m) were estimated using the 2022 greenest season NDVI from Sentinel-2 and the 2021 ESA WorldCover within a 300m (WHO 2016) buffer. We set a tree-cover optimal target of 30% and interim targets from 10% to 25%. For each tree-cover target, we set the counterfactual exposure (CE) as the corresponding PWE to NDVI. Age-specific preventable deaths (PD) were calculated by multiplying the baseline deaths (ISTAT) by the preventable fractions (PF). Preventable years of life lost (PYLL) were calculated by multiplying the PD by the specific life expectancy. To compute the 95%CI, we ran 100,000 Monte Carlo simulations to propagate the uncertainties of both CE and ERF to the final estimates. Results The PWEs to NDVI and tree-cover-proportion were 0.19 and 8.0%, respectively. For the 30% tree-cover target (currently achieved by the 1.5% of population), the CE (NDVI) and PF (%) were 0.33 (0.32-0.33) and 5.4% (4.1%-6.2%). A total of 126 (97-146) PD and 1270 (976-1474) PYLL were estimated. Three-cover, shrubland and grassland were associated to higher NDVI values, while built-up and deprivation-index were associated to lower greenness. NDVI and summer temperature showed an inverse relationship. Conclusions This study as a pioneering effort in Southern Italy. Providing more green space could prevent a substantial number of premature deaths in Taranto, potentially up to 5.4% by achieving a 30% tree-cover. Key messages • Providing more green space could prevent a substantial number of premature deaths in Taranto, potentially up to 5.4% by achieving a 30% tree-cover. • Built-up and deprivation-index were associated to lower greenness. NDVI and summer temperature showed an inverse relationship.

Population health status and green urban areas: impact on health outcomes in two Italian regions

Abstract Background Living in urban areas has been linked to a rise in noncommunicable diseases. Nevertheless, there is scarcity of evidence emphasizing the combined impacts of certain urban attributes (e.g. pollution, excessive soil sealing, urban temperatures) and the existence of green spaces on health outcomes. Further studies are imperative to evaluate the association between chronic illnesses such as dementia and ischemic heart disease, and the presence of urban green areas. Methods We conducted an ecological study in two Italian regions. Prevalence of chronic diseases in Tuscany and Latium were obtained at the municipality level from public health databases available online and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was calculated for 2023. Descriptive analyses and Poisson regression models were run to assess the association between green space and chronic diseases prevalence, adjusting for age, sex, education, employment, foreign residents, income, urbanicity and spatial correlation. Results Preliminary analyses were conducted on 273 municipalities in Tuscany. Mean prevalence per 1000 inhabitants of dementia and ischemic heart disease were 15.75 (SD = 5.3) and 48.25 (SD = 11.06), respectively. Mean NDVI across municipalities was 0.37 (SD = 0.04). Higher green exposure is associated with lower prevalence of ischemic heart disease (β= -0.21; p < 0.05) and dementia (β=-0.3, p < 0.05). Analyses will be executed for the Latium region and complete results will be available by mid-June. Conclusions The presence of urban greenery appears to be associated with a reduction in chronic illnesses. While further studies are warranted, it is crucial to adopt urban policies focused on green spaces and citizens’ health outcomes. Generating evidence for decision-makers is essential for shaping urban environments in ways that promote both health and overall human wellbeing. Key messages • Living in green urban areas appears to positively impact human health, reducing chronic disease prevalence. • Greenery serve as a tool for mitigating and adapting to the climate crisis, promoting health.

Urban Green Spaces on Maternal Sleep Quality One Year Postpartum Amid COVID-19 Alert Level Changes

Abstract Background Benefits of green spaces (GS) on sleep quality were found, particularly for mothers, which, in turn, contributed to maternal health and offspring development. However, the COVID-19 pandemic imposed restrictions on environmental access, potentially altering the influence of urban GS on sleep quality. This study aims to explore the impact of urban GS on maternal sleep quality one year postpartum during the pandemic. Methods Participants were drawn from the Longitudinal Examination across Prenatal and Postpartum Health in Taiwan study, tracking individuals from early pregnancy across five hospitals in Taipei since 2011. We utilized data spanning from 2019 to 2024, with May 2021 (the initial soft lockdown due to community spread) serving as the cutoff point to delineate early and late pandemic stages. Self-reported sleep quality one year postpartum was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Residential GS was evaluated using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) within various radii (250m to 2000m). Multiple logistic regression was utilized. Results From the 311 participants, in the early stage of the pandemic, an increase of 0.1 units in NDVI within a 250m radius during both prenatal and postnatal periods (0-12 months) was associated with improved maternal sleep quality (OR = 1.57; 95% CI = 1.08, 2.32, and OR = 1.58; 95% CI = 1.07, 2.30) after adjustments. The impact diminished as the radius increased. Additionally, no significant association was found during the late stage of the pandemic across any of the studied radii. Conclusions The findings suggest a positive correlation between proximity to urban GS and maternal sleep quality during the early stages of the pandemic, with more significant benefits observed at shorter distances, likely due to restricted movement and access. These results underscore the importance of proximity in urban planning and environmental improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing maternal and child health. Key messages • Urban green spaces significantly enhance maternal sleep quality one year postpartum in the early stages of the pandemic, highlighting the importance of proximity for health benefits. • As the radius of green spaces decreased, their positive impact on maternal sleep quality during the early pandemic intensified, underscoring the need for adaptive urban planning strategies.

Urban burden of disease estimation for policy making

Abstract Introduction The Urban Burden of Disease Estimation for Policy Making (UBDPolicy) project aims to estimate the health impacts resulting from urban and transport planning related exposures in nearly 1000 European cities. So far, quantitative burden of disease assessments have estimated premature mortality attributable to the environmental stressors of air pollution, noise, urban heat islands and lack of green space for the year 2015. Regular reporting and trend monitoring of the health impacts associated with urban environments is crucial for assessing the wider impacts of urban and transport planning. Methods For almost 1000 European cities, quantitative Health Impact Assessments (HIAs) will be conducted that employ the comparative risk assessment methodology. Baseline exposure levels of air pollution, noise, urban heat islands and green space will be estimated and preventable health impacts modelled using counterfactual exposure scenarios. Analysis will comprise two components: firstly, the 2018 HIA will incorporate multiple environmental exposures for that year, while the second component will monitor trends at three-yearly reporting intervals covering the years of 2015, 2018, 2021 and 2024. Results Results are intended to shape evidence-informed urban planning and policies throughout Europe. By ranking cities according to environmental exposures and health impacts, cities are encouraged to address challenges and learn from successful urban design and planning policies in other cities. Discussion HIAs serve as an effective tool for identifying the health impacts of current and future urban policies. The provision of burden of disease estimates will provide policy-makers and practitioners robust data for informed decision-making, while estimates over time will allow tracking of changes from implemented policies. To fully harness the potential of cities as key drivers of sustainable and healthy living, robust evidence must be at the forefront of this change. Key messages • A multitude of urban and transport planning pathways contribute toward the health of urban populations. • Compact city designs often promote health, however there are exceptions.

BELCOHORT: towards a population-based cohort for health research and policy support in Belgium

Abstract Background In the past decades much progress has been made in Belgium in the development and valorisation of population-based data collections which are directly or indirectly related to health. New surveys have been set up and the use of medico-administrative and environmental data for public health research gained momentum. However, no infrastructure is currently in place to link survey data with existing sources in a longitudinal perspective to address research questions directly relevant to health policy. BELCOHORT is a three-year pilot project aimed at developing a population based cohort enriched with these different data sources. The project is considered as a step towards a large population cohort in Belgium. Methods A first wave of participant recruitment was organized in February 2024 using the Belgian national register as a sampling frame, and 41,153 households were invited (targeted sample of 5000 individuals aged 18-69). A first baseline survey (online and paper) was organized and an annual follow-up is planned. Linkages procedures will be implemented with administrative data and geospatial data on air pollution and green space. The inclusion of data from physical examinations and biological samples will be explored. Results In the first recruitment wave the individual response rate was only 2.5%, leading to a sample of 1,947 participants. The sample showed an under-representation of women (45%), people aged 18-24 years (2%) and low educated people (21%). In total, 23% of participants opted to complete the first baseline questionnaire on paper. Stakeholder meetings have been started to implement the individual and geospatial linkages. Conclusions This project generate insights that will assist in methodological choices in the development of a large population cohort in Belgium. In the second recruitment lessons learned from the first data collection will be used to improve the response rate as well as the participation of under-represented groups. Key messages • This study provides insights on how existing population-based data collections including administrative and environmental data can be valorized in setting up a population cohort. • Recruitment strategies for a population cohort should be tested thoroughly and adapted in order to obtain a well-balanced sample composition.

Greening the mind: exploring the link between vertical gardens, urban forests, and mental health

Abstract Background Mental disorders impose a significant global burden, affecting millions of individuals, contributing to disability, reduced quality of life, and economic costs worldwide. Between 1990 and 2019, the global number of disability-adjusted life-years due to mental disorders increased from 80.8 million to 125.3 million. The economic costs are projected to rise to 6,000 billion euros by 2030. Urbanization has been associated with a worsening of mental disorders over the years due to various factors, such as increased stress, social isolation, reduced access to green spaces, and higher levels of pollution. Decades of research have instead shown that exposure to green space may promote psychological well-being, regulate stress, and endorse social health across the lifespan. In this systematic review, we aim to investigate how proximity to vertical gardens or urban forests, specifically, may affect mental health. Methods The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) were followed. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024517969) with the following PECOS question: Is there an association between vertical gardens or urban forests and mental health? Results After performing searches on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, and duplicate removal, we retrieved 556 articles. The main reasons for exclusion after title/abstract screening were mainly wrong outcome (not mental health) and wrong study type (not observational/intervention/cross-sectional studies). The selection of full texts is expected to end shortly and results will be available for November 2024. Preliminary findings support the role of green environmental assets in facilitating physical activity, social contact, and stress reduction. Conclusions In summary, mental disorders are exacerbated by urbanization’s stressors. Our review will further elucidate the potential benefits of urban green spaces like vertical gardens and urban forests on mental health. Key messages • Urbanization exacerbates the issue of mental disorders global burden. • Exposure to urban forests and vertical gardens may promote physiological well-being and mental health.

11.F. Scientific session: If we build it, will they come? Evaluation of citywide park redesign and renovation in NYC

Abstract Urban environments, such as parks, play a crucial role in shaping the health of their residents. However, the relationship between parks and health remains inconclusive. This workshop will present findings from the Physical Activity and Redesigned Community Spaces (PARCS) Study that examined the community health impacts of the Community Parks Initiative (CPI), a citywide park equity initiative of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) that led to citywide park redesign and renovation across 67 low-income neighborhoods in NYC. Using a quasi-experimental design with socio-demographically matched control parks, we evaluated longitudinal changes in park use, physical activity, and psychosocial well-being as a result of CPI. There will be a total of 3 presentations. The first presentation will focus on the impact of CPI on park use before and after park renovation, relative to control parks, using data collected from the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC). Results showed that CPI led to a significant net increase in park use, especially among adults. The second presentation will report on changes in perceived stress pre- and post-renovation among adults. Results showed that a greater decrease in perceived stress was associated with a sustained high or increased park use frequency in the context of high-quality CPI intervention parks. In contrast, the same association was not found in lower quality control parks. The third presentation will showcase a study that demonstrated a significant increase in children’s physical well-being, a dimension of quality of life, at CPI vs. control sites. The analysis also showed that children in the lowest socio-economic group might have benefited the greatest from CPI. PARCS is one of the largest intervention studies on the effects of park renovation on health. This workshop will engage participants in considering how these insights can be translated into actionable programs and policies in service of community health and health equity. Findings from PARCS will help inform future public health and urban planning interventions in the use of the built environment to promote population well-being. Key messages • Urban park renovations may contribute significantly to community health, demonstrating a vital link between the built environment and public health. • Investments in green spaces may enhance the physical and mental well-being of low-income urban communities, promoting social equity.

Landscape Design Strategies for Healthy Aging-in-Place in Communities: Case Studies from Suzhou, China

As the global population ages, the World Health Organization promotes “Healthy Aging” to enhance the quality of life for the elderly. In China, with its substantial aging population, the “9073” elderly care mode, which prioritizes community-based care, was implemented in 2011. However, the specific needs of elderly residents in different climatic and cultural contexts are often overlooked. This study addresses this gap by examining how community green space design can support healthy aging, using Suzhou as a case study due to its significant elderly population. This research examines the relationship between community environments, elderly needs, and behaviors. Our findings reveal that elderly residents have complex needs, seeking safety, comfort, health, social interaction, and spiritual richness simultaneously. A mismatch was observed between their stated preferences for features like seating and shade and their actual usage patterns, suggesting that existing green spaces may not fully meet their needs. This study underscores the importance of incorporating both expressed preferences and proactive design strategies to enhance the healthy benefit of community green spaces. These insights support the “Healthy China 2030” strategy and promote the well-being of elders, contributing to sustainable urban regeneration.

Informing healthy urban policy making through quantitative health impact appraisal – a co-designed approach

Abstract Quantitative health impact appraisal for land use development is currently challenging. We show how a co-designed process between urban decision makers and academics can help to improve ways of deriving evidence for creating healthier cities. The Health Appraisal of Urban Systems (HAUS) economic valuation model was developed with local partners to inform a strategic framework for a UK urban regeneration site. HAUS is a comparative risk assessment model which allows the user to understand mechanisms for change through applying an impact-pathway approach to quantify changes in health. It is informed by systematic reviews of epidemiology and societal costs of 85 individual health end-points. Scenarios combined a range of characteristics including air and noise pollution, green space, crime, walkability, food environment and transport. Health outcomes include morbidity and mortality impacts. Results show the value of a holistic approach to comparing health risks in designing urban living. By monetising outcomes, practitioners were able to understand the relative magnitude of risk within a specific area and compare alternate urban development scenarios. Compared to an unmanaged development, the Strategic Framework can mitigate health risks by improving safety and quality of the public realm and add health benefits by encouraging activity and active commuting. Flood risks are managed, and green infrastructure improved and extended. These benefits extend to communities outside the site boundaries. Over 25 years, the PV benefits are £60 - 80 million in averted health costs. Strategic planning for urban areas can unlock the potential of the public realm to tackle health inequalities and mitigate serious risks to public health. Timely access to quantitative information on health can help inform understanding of unhealthy environments, strengthen arguments for good design, reinforce capacity of planning teams and so improve the quality of urban developments. Speakers/Panelists Odile Mekel NRW Centre for Health, Bochum, Germany

Culturally-relevant physical activity for public health promotion: global evidence synthesis

Abstract Background The WHO has noted the importance of cultural insights for health. Culturally-relevant physical activity has a growing evidence base in many regions and specific populations, but the scope and scale for global health promotion is underexplored. Methods A multinational expert team used a critical literature review method to: (1) define culturally-relevant physical activity; (2) delineate relevant characteristics supporting inclusion in population-level health promotion and surveillance; and (3) provide agenda setting in research, policy, and practice from a global public health promotion perspective. The critical review method, which evaluates rather than summarizes literature, was chosen as the research evidence is complex, broad, and has not been synthesized previously from this perspective. Results Culturally-relevant physical activity was defined as practices that include physical activity based on a population’s cultural customs. These can be Indigenous (e.g., hula, an Indigenous dance of Native Hawaiians) or regional (e.g., Shota (Shotë), an Albanian folk dance). Practices have shared characteristics that support multi-dimensional value for health, engagement, and healing. These include a collectivist, intergenerational component, passed from elders and shared forward with children as part of a community. Many have foundations in nature, a strength for health and wellbeing in green and blue spaces. Many include traditional art, clothing, accessories, and music with deep significance, including care for the tools and location of practice (e.g, drums, boats, land). Many practices would not be captured in harmonized public health surveillance systems despite their value. From this synthesis, research hypotheses were created and next steps proposed. Conclusions This evidence synthesis supports engagement, planning, uptake, policy, surveillance, and study of culturally-relevant physical activity for public health promotion locally and globally. Key messages • An important strength of culturally-relevant physical activity is that it is context and population specific. However, this may hide the scope and scale of the existing evidence supporting this work. • This evidence synthesis confirms how culturally-relevant physical activity is valuable globally across shared assets in research and practice, supporting next steps for public health promotion.