February 10th

By Mutt Mulligan

Spending more time in parks? You’re not alone.

During the pandemic, green spaces have become a source of resilience in the midst of restrictions on where and how we can gather, work and learn. In addition to turning to our own backyards to connect with one another and nature (a.k.a. “backyarding”), people are also utilizing parks more than before, according to a recent study.

The researchers reviewed local, regional and global data from Google’s Community Mobility Reports and the Oxford Coronavirus Government Response Tracker. In most countries, they found that park visitation has increased over the last year. Scientists correlate that increase to restrictions placed on communities because of the pandemic.

Scientists say the increased demand for parks and community green spaces indicates the importance of urban and community parks, in particular. The scientists conclude that parks are important during pandemics to increase well-being, as well as physical health.

To learn more about the benefit of green spaces in our community parks and our own backyards, click here.