In their study on urban green spaces, researchers found that cities with higher amounts of green areas tended to have populations with lower rates of mental health disorders. Additionally, the study indicated that access to parks and recreational areas encouraged physical activity, which in turn has been linked to improved mental well-being. Despite these findings, the researchers cautioned that merely increasing green spaces in urban areas would not guarantee a reduction in mental health issues.
In a follow-up survey, residents were asked about their usage of local parks. Although many reported appreciating green spaces, a considerable number indicated that they rarely visited these areas due to safety concerns, lack of accessibility, or maintenance issues. The study concluded that while green spaces provide significant potential benefits for mental health, attention must also be paid to factors that influence actual usage.