THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF PARKS AND THEIR ECONOMIC IMPACTS 9 antisocial and unsafe behaviors (Citizens’ Taskforce on the Use and Security of Central Park 1990). People increase their use of parks the safer and more welcome they feel, which evidence shows is impacted by park design, the presence of trees, and inclusiveness for multiple demographics. People's perceptions of safety and their willingness to use a space can be affected by the design and maintenance of a park. It is well documented that the urban and architectural design of built and natural environments that maximize visibility, encourage activity, and improve accessibility can reduce crime and the fear of crime (Stanley 1977). The distribution of amenities such as lighting, call boxes, signage, and other features can eliminate deserted areas and reduce senses of loneliness (MacCleery, McConville, and Hammerschmidt 2021). Further, lack of maintenance contributes to the perception of unsafety. The presence of garbage, damaged equipment, and damaged trees deter park users, and on a 2020 survey, respondents did not feel safe visiting parks with these concerns (Lopez, Kennedy, and McPhearson 2020). Understanding this relationship, New York City’s Park Inspection Program conducts audits to determine the condition of these features, and the Parks Without Borders program targets strengthening safety through maintenance. Similarly, the Metro Action Committee on Public Violence Against Women and Children, based in Canada, has implemented a safety audit procedure to monitor and correct safety concerns in parks. Even landscaping, such as trees with higher canopies and features that reduce blocked sections of the park, can contribute to an improved perception of safety (MacCleery, McConville, and Hammerschmidt 2021). Parks often provide large concentrated areas of greenery, which have positively contributed to community and individual public safety. As demonstrated in Chicago, an increase in tree canopy can result in a decrease in neighborhood crime rates, particularly for violent crime (Schusler et al. 2018). In a later study in Chicago (Herrnstadt et al. 2021), researchers found that tree canopy can improve air quality and general physical health through a causal link between air pollution and violent crimes. But design and landscaping alone cannot address the challenges of safety in parks (Zavadskas et al. 2019; NRPA 2019). Strategies for improving safety include removing barriers to access both physical and mental (e.g., isolated spaces, limited entry points, and perceptions of unsafety) that prevent users from feeling welcome. Parks must appeal to a wide diversity of users, including people of color, youth, seniors, varying abilities, and LGBTQ+ people to be safe and accessible (MacCleery, McConville, and Hammerschmidt 2021; NRPA 2019).
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