Perceptions of nature and access to green space in four urban neighborhoods
Individual and environmental barriers may limit caregivers’ ability to access their urban green spaces
This study assessed attitudes towards nature and the use of green space in urban areas. It also investigated perceptions of physician-initiated nature prescriptions for pediatric populations. Concerns framing the study include the fact that existing urban parks are often underutilized and that there are serious inequities to park access. These concerns relate to documented evidence of health and well-being benefits associated with park and green space use.
Forty-two guardians and caretakers of children from four urban neighborhoods in Philadelphia participated in one of six focus groups facilitated by two experienced moderators. A semi-structured interview guide developed by the research team focused on the participants’ perspectives towards accessing green space in their neighborhoods. While all four neighborhoods have small parks, resident proximity to parks varied significantly. The population in three of the neighborhoods consisted primarily of African American residents; the other of Asian and White residents. Twenty-three to 41% of residents in these neighborhoods lived below the poverty line. Approximately the same percent lived in single-parent households.
Most participants indicated that information about programs in local green spaces was easily accessible through such channels as the internet and public postings in the community. Participants were also aware of physical and mental health benefits of being in nature, including opportunities for being physically active and the experience of thinking more clearly and feeling rejuvenated. Many participants described their local parks as being unsafe and unmaintained. These conditions deterred their use of the local parks. Other barriers to park use included (1) “dislike of the natural environment” (due to such elements as bugs, wild animals, and fear of sunburn), (2) lack of access and funds to travel to desirable outdoor spaces, (3) medical concerns (e.g. flair up of chronic conditions), and (4) weather conditions. In addition to wanting parks and other open spaces to be safe and well-maintained, participants also wanted autism-friendly parks, outdoor pools, and access to structured outdoor activities. A number of participants raised the issue of unequal distribution of safe and desirable green spaces across the city. They noted how the well-maintained parks were in predominantly white and higher-resource neighborhoods. Participants displayed a mix of negative and positive feelings about having a physician prescribe prescribed time outdoors in green space as a health intervention.
While more research is needed to better understand caregivers’ motivations and abilities to spend more time outdoors, the insights and concerns presented in this study should be helpful to current and future nature prescription interventions for children and their caregivers in urban environments.
Citation
Sefcik, J.S., Kondo, M.C., Klusaritz, H., Sarantschin, E., Solomon, S., Roepke, A., South, E.C., Jacoby, S.F., (2019). Perceptions of nature and access to green space in four urban neighborhoods. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(13)
