Saw this article, Parks, Green Spaces Protect Your Health, it provides a rather interesting perspective. We have been working for some time on promoting new village style developments (we meaning much of the planning community) as "Smart Growth." The article clearly points out the need to maintain a balance as we plan these areas. We cannot forget the need for parks in this planning. The analysis cited suggests a rather wide area, one-half mile, can serve this green space need. Other studies have supported the benefit of seeing trees from a persons window (thus the Million Tree effort in NYC). I think these green areas should be much closer to where we live and work. Such close proximity can provide significant calming benefits.
Basically, the article reminds us all of the importance of green areas and that we should not only be thinking of density as we think of smart growth. Those open areas are so important.
Hi Dan,
ReplyDeleteIf you recall, I worked closely with you when you were a Planner at MAPC on the Alternative Fuel Vehicle refueling infrastructure program. Now as Chairman or the Alternative Energy Committee in Duxbury, I am working with Tom Broadrick, our Town Planner. I stumbled onto your blog. Hope all is well. Great blog!(Frank Duggan, Formerly of Boston Gas)
Welcome Frank, I am still doing some energy stuff assisting our Alternative Energy Committee. You might want to check out the Town of Dennis blogs we have a lot of information posted there on our efforts to go green.
ReplyDeleteDan