Every week, we bring you the latest news in placemaking, landscape architecture, the nature-mental health link, and much more. Check back each week for new roundups and items.
Reconnecting City Citizens with the Environment
“Going back to the 19th century, when poor housing, sanitation and overcrowding caused cholera outbreaks and tuberculosis, the relationship between environment and health was undeniable. Today, emerging research is reminding us of that relationship, suggesting that access to green spaces can reduce health inequalities and improve psychological wellbeing…For many, it’s not a case of reconnecting with nature but of making that first connection…As urbanites have lost skills such as gardening, wood working and wildlife knowledge – where do we start?”
Small Efforts Can Boost Use of Public Parks
“Even small marketing efforts at parks can have an effect on the health fitness of local communities, according to a new study. Minor improvements to signage and visual reminders about park activities are a cost-effective way to increase park usage and boost physical activity, researchers found. ‘The study shows that environmental cues influence and change individual behavior, including physical behavior,’ study lead author Dr. Deborah Cohen, a senior natural scientist at the nonprofit research organization RAND Corp., said in a news release. ’When physical-activity opportunities and reminders become more obvious — whether they are overt signs or notices for classes or new walking paths — they may lead people to becoming more active, especially if they are already in a park,’ Cohen said.”
“Sit-able Cities” Might Be Even Better Than Walkable Ones
“Walkable cities are great. But once you get where you’re walking, you want to relax, right? Urbanism Without Effort author Chuck Wolfe argues in a blog post that ample public places to gather, rest, and converse are even more important for a city than how walkable it is…Sit-able cities are ones with plenty of park benches, space for street vendors, and dining al fresco. But there’s more to it than that, Wolfe says. These places provide safe, comfortable seating for conversation and contemplation, adding to a city’s “place capital,” he writes. Transportation is ephemeral; sitting is eternal.”
Group Teaches Urban Students About Local ‘Wilderness’
“Students from James N. Gamble Montessori High Schools in Westwood got a rare opportunity this week to canoe the Ohio River learning teamwork – and how to keep warm in a chilly October rain. They also learned about tent camping, wildlife and how to make a fire with nothing but a stick, string and moss. The day-long mini-adventure was part of the Urban Wilderness Canoe Adventure program, which helps urban denizens learn about nature. ‘We’re trying to get them to tap into that wilderness, so to speak, that’s right in their backyard,’ said Clancy Ray, trail guide with Minneapolis-based Wilderness Inquiry. Wilderness Inquiry is a national nonprofit program that travels the country to take inner-city kids on canoe outings. They call it the “Canoemobile” program and have already been to Chicago, Louisville and a handful of Ohio cities this year. This is their second year stopping in Cincinnati.”
