CHAPTER 4: GREEN SPACE PLANNING
4.6 Role of green spaces in enhancing social benefits
Swanwick et al. (2003:103) refer to the social benefits of urban green space planning as having both
―...an existence value, because people know it is there, and a use value for a wide range of different activities.‖ This is further supported by Barbosa et al. (2007:194) referring to green space planning as providing purported social benefits by bringing diverse communities together and promoting interactions between people from different socio-economic and ethnic groups, but also warns against the potential to function as green walls that keep different communities apart (Barbosa et al., 2007:194).
The importance of creating green spaces at individual level and for the use of the people in order to provide opportunities for physical and psychological rejuvenation and well-being and a sense of social place (Shackleton & Blair, 2013:104), as a means or ‗factor‘ for creating quality of life (Lange et al., 2007:245) is therefore emphasized (refer to Table 22 for more green space planning contributions on various groups or levels). This is supported by De Jong et al. (2012:1374) perceiving green space planning values or qualities to be associated with neighbourhood satisfaction, physical activity and general health. In order to achieve these effective green space planning values, five green space planning qualities needed and associated with successful green spaces should be included. These green space planning qualities (according to de Jong et al (2012:1378)) consist of:
Culture (historical remains);
Serenity (silence such that sounds of nature can be heard);
Lushness (richness in animal and plant species);
Spaciousness; and
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Wild (with spaciousness and wild rather only preferred by people restoring from stress as these qualities might also be negatively perceived i.e. being desolate, not cared for properly and unsafe (de Jong et al., 2012:1379)).
Factors such as proximity and physical and social accessibility to the nearest PGS have a direct influence on the use of such spaces (Shackleton & Blair, 2013:105) and hence determine whether or not this green space can become a lively place enhancing the frequency of its social usage. When including amenities and natural elements like trees within these areas (aspects which are currently lacking in township green space planning, as derived from Walton et al. (2011:30)), more people will feel the urge and need to visit these spaces, as it will contribute to their well-being (a result of effective green space planning as mentioned previously in this chapter and also a social value contributing to the addressing of social challenges).
When providing sufficient areas of green space that are also accessible, these PGS will promote connection with the places in which people live and work – therefore eliminating long travel distances and improving accessibility, providing relative easy means for recreation, exercise, relaxation and other human health and well-being related challenges. This is reflected in the perceptions they form about green spaces and will also influence their maintaining and respecting the use of these public green spaces (Shackleton & Blair, 2013:110), therefore motivating them to personally get involved and contribute in such a manner that they feel a sense of ownership and inclusion within their community.
The preservation and maintenance of these green spaces in urban environments are crucial aspects of fulfilling environmental quality goals and attaining a ‗liveable‘ and socially enhanced and valuable community – one that is environmentally, economically and socially sustainable (Ward et al., 2009:49), therefore indirectly addressing and alleviating social challenges connected with the natural environment and protection for future generations to use.
Benefits of green space planning to human well-beings include livelihood provision, health improvements, stress reduction, rejuvenation and recreational activities, as well as providing a sense of peace and tranquility (Ward et al., 2009:49). Conclusively, the value of green space planning (especially regarding its contribution to lively place planning) and social challenges can be summarized as seen in Table 21 (Beneficial social values as a result of green space planning).
Chapter 4: Green space planning Page 129 Table 21: Beneficial social values as a result of green space planning
GREEN SPACE PLANNING VALUE
BENEFIT
Spatially Better defining and separation of urban areas, better linking of town and country, providing for recreation needs over a wide area and addressing the challenge of far travel distances and lack of proximity especially in rural communities, as identified in Chapter 2.
Urban quality The provision of visually attractive green spaces through the regeneration of current open spaces (refer to Table 11 on regeneration approaches to lively place planning) in close proximity to where people live supports the improving of the quality of life for communities. It also enhances the value of land and the environment, boasting the value and quality surrounding the people.
Health and well-being Providing opportunities to people of all ages for informal recreation. Allotments may provide physical exercise and other health benefits which also contribute to potential social interaction and inclusion of different groups, genders and ages.
It contributes to child development by means of outdoor, energetic and imaginative play and may further influence the behaviour of both individuals and wider society positively.
Engagement in healthy outdoor exercise and psychological effects stemming from the escape to a less stressful, more relaxing environment in which people can engage in similar activities, discussion groups, sports teams and other relevant interactive groups.
Community resource A place for congregating, socializing and hosting community events, religious festivals, fetes and travelling fairs.
Contributes significantly to social inclusion as it is free and available for all to access.
Provides neutral ground that is available to all sectors of society and can become the focus of community spirit because of the various opportunities provided for social interaction.
Visual amenity Provides an outlook, variety in the urban and/or rural scene or as a positive element in the landscape.
Contributes to landscape and cultural heritage with a means of enhancing cultural diversities and creating closer and more intimate communities.
Places with a sense of good maintenance and good management enhance surveillance and therefore contribute to the feeling of safety and security within the social place.
Chapter 4: Green space planning Page 130 Environmental benefits Maintains biodiversity through the conservation and enhancing of urban
habitats.
Reduction of pollution, moderating extremes regarding climate change and contributing to cost-effective sustainable urban drainage systems also enhancing the living environment and provision of clean and efficient services.
Provides habitats for flora and fauna as a haven for wildlife and also includes corridors or stepping stones from one habitat to another.
Economic benefits Direct employment and revenue generation.
Affects nearby property prices.
Attracts businesses and tourists.
Education Offers numerous environmental education opportunities (including activities run by park rangers and WATCH groups - children‘s environmental clubs affiliated to Wildlife Trusts) also contributing to the creation of safe, usable spaces.
Source: Adapted from Wilson and Hughes (2011:217) and Swanwick et al. (2003:103).
Another important aspect noted by Wilson and Hughes (2011:219) regarding the successful addressing of social issues through green space planning, is that funding should not only be allocated for new green spaces planning, but should also contribute to improving existing green spaces. This creates lively places where liveliness was inefficient or completely lacking, thereby contributing to overall environment development.