Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
Description: “Green spaces” are the trees and grass and shrubs in yards, parks, medians,
anywhere intermingled throughout the built environment. Green space is any piece of
land covered with vegetation. Usually refers to parks, golf courses, sports fields and
other open land within the built‐up area, whether publicly accessible or not.
What is the risk to Wichita’s:
Environment: Trees, grass and other green vegetation provide wildlife habitat,
prevent soil erosion, absorb air pollutants, and lower surface temperatures. Lack
of green spaces leads to higher air temperatures and more ground level ozone,
with fewer trees and plants to clean the air and provide oxygen. Without soil to
receive the rainfall and filter the water, sewers become overloaded, causing
neighborhood flooding problems as well as polluted water problems which is
harmful to aquatic ecosystems.
Health: Green space has a positive impact on mental health. People living in
areas with green spaces are less likely to have anxiety disorders or depression,
and they are more likely to be physically active, which leads to reductions in
respiratory diseases such as asthma, COPD, and upper respiratory infections.
Some studies suggest that green spaces reduce common health conditions
including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Economy: Use of green space for bike trails and recreation may lead to reduced
use of automobiles and transportation systems, thus reducing the use of fossil
fuels and energy expenses. Additional tree and vegetative growth provides
shade and lowers urban temperatures reducing the demand for air‐conditioning
and energy costs.
Solutions
Individuals:
Utilize parks and current green space to improve personal health, become
physically active, and improve personal well being.
Start and participate in community‐shared gardens.
Share your knowledge and educate your neighbors, friends, and family on the
benefits of green space.
Advocate for more public green spaces.
Communities:
Attend city council meetings that deal with city planning, public transportation,
energy, air, and water quality to learn more.
Promote sustainable, environmentally beneficial landscape practices in Wichita.
Policies:
Implement more regulations and changes in city planning that incorporate more
green space and natural environments into the design.