Every week, we bring you the latest news in placemaking, landscape architecture, the nature-mental health link, and much more. Check back every week for new roundups and items.
The Mini Parks That Could Transform Los Angeles
“A simple but radical idea is set to erode LA’s love affair with the car and reclaim some street space for pedestrians.”
Putting a Dollar Figure on Nature
“Work by the natural world to boost the health and well-being of the environment — carbon-storing trees, water-purifying wetlands, bees as flying fertilizers — has carried on for centuries in the lands, watersheds and valleys that will soon become Canada’s largest urban park. Those benefits have now been quantified as dollar amounts in a study to demonstrate how vital the natural economy is to surrounding communities.”
Back to School? Get Back Outside!
“Every September there is a great migration. Flocks of children everywhere go from hanging out in trees and exploring the outdoors, to sitting behind a desk inside a classroom. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Parents and educators can encourage kids to spend time outside all year long. In fact, we need to. In a recent survey of Canadian youth conducted for the David Suzuki Foundation, 70 per cent said they spend about an hour or less outside a day. That’s just not enough!”
Visiting a Place Where Nature Helps With Healing
“We discussed the offerings the Healing Garden provides for cancer patients, designed to help patients live well with their cancer no matter what the stage of their diagnosis.”
Design the Waterfront Park Infrastructure of the Future
“New York City has issued a new waterfront construction competition that seeks “innovative and cost-saving solutions for completing marine construction projects.†New York City’s Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), the Hudson River Park Trust, and a host of other government groups and experts will be evaluating submissions.”
