Governmentof South Australia

HEALTHY PARKS HEALTHY PEOPLE SOUTH AUSTRALIA 2016-2021Quality Green Public Space

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A plan to support collaborative action for increased green infrastructure in urban settings – one of the seven focus areas set out in the Healthy Parks Healthy People SA Framework

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This Action Plan forms part of a broader agenda to enhance the quality of green public space in urban settings in South Australia, in alignment with the planning reform and The 30-Year Plan for Greater Adelaide.

The Healthy Parks Healthy People SA project team recognise the contributions of a number of critical partners and industry stakeholders in the progress of this Action Plan, and the broader quality green public space agenda.

We wish to acknowledge the important contributions of the following organisations:

• The Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR)

• The Department for Health and Ageing (DHA)

• The Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI);

• Planning and Development Division

• The Office for Design and Architecture SA

• The Office for Recreation and Sport

• The Australian Institute of Landscape Architects

• The Active Living Coalition

• The Heart Foundation (South Australian Division)

• The South Australian Local Government Association

We would also like to thank the Healthy Parks Healthy People SA Leadership Team and the key Sponsors of this Action Plan for their support, technical expertise and contributions.

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ENHANCING THE QUALITY OF GREEN PUBLIC SPACE The evidence unequivocally shows that spending time in nature produces wide-ranging benefits for physical, mental, and social health and wellbeing. Living within an accessible distance of parks and other green space enables us to be more physically active, to play and enjoy leisure activities outdoors, alone and with others, and can have a positive impact on our ability to concentrate, learn, solve problems, think critically and be creative.

The Healthy Parks Healthy People SA framework is underpinned by a Public Health Partner Authority Agreement between the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources and the Department for Health and Ageing. The framework is focused on the protection and promotion of the state’s parks and the natural environment so that all South Australians can enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of nature. This Action Plan contributes to Focus Area 6 of the framework: Green infrastructure in urban settings.

South Australia’s planning system is undergoing a major reform that coincides with a broader strategic agenda to increase urban infill to better meet the needs of our communities, as outlined in the 30-Year Plan for Greater Adelaide. Evidence shows that density done well is good for health and wellbeing (National Heart Foundation of Australia, 2014). Green public space is particularly important to people living in higher density housing as it substitutes the private green space available to residents living in low-density housing.

The reform of the planning system offers a timely opportunity to evaluate, protect and enhance the quality of our green public spaces to strengthen the promotion of health and wellbeing for all South Australians and optimise ecosystem benefits.

The deliverables under this Action Plan will support several of the government’s priorities including:

• Safe Communities, Healthy Neighbourhoods strategic priority

• 30-Year Plan targets, in particular: Target 1, Protecting our Resources, Target 3, Getting Active, Target 4, Walkable Neighbourhoods, Target 5, A Greener City

• State Public Health Plan including the Health in All Policies approach

• Carbon Neutral Adelaide

• Water Sensitive Urban Design Policy

The deliverables will also support local government open space policies and guidelines.

STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA

More than four in every five of South Australia’s population resides in the Greater Adelaide area. The 30-Year Plan for Greater Adelaide estimates that the population of Greater Adelaide will expand by an additional 545,000 people and 248,000 dwellings during the next three decades.

A major strategy within the 30-Year Plan to manage this population growth is through urban infill. The stated target is that, by 2045, 85 percent of all new housing in metropolitan Adelaide will be built as infill in established urban areas. As neighbourhoods densify, it is increasingly important that quality green public space is provided to substitute for the loss of private green space, and to protect and promote health and wellbeing and the natural environment.

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There is strong evidence to suggest that quality green public space, particularly parks, may be one of the most tangible public health interventions available to mitigate many urban-living related health issues. Provision of, and access to, green space of good quality has been shown to have clear benefits in promoting physical, mental and social health (Maas et al 2013).

In relation to physical health, physical activity is a key contributor to achieving a healthy weight and reduces risk of chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. However, sixty per cent of Australian adults do less than 30 minutes of physical activity per day (ABS 2012). Access to safe, high quality green space is beneficial to both health and physical activity levels (Richardson and Parker 2011). An Australian study found that residents in neighbourhoods containing greater green space were significantly more likely to walk and participate in moderate to vigorous physical activities (Astell-Burt et al. 2013). Moreover, ‘Green exercise’ - physical activity undertaken in green or natural environments (Barton and Pretty 2010), is considered more beneficial than other types of exercise (Marselle, Irvine et al. 2013).

In relation to psychological health for populations, it is known that stress increases the risk of developing chronic conditions and in addition, that chronic stress is associated with urban living (Jovanović et al 2014). Evidence indicates that viewing or experiencing quality green space or natural environments is associated with reduced levels of perceived stress, improved measures of physiological stress, enhanced cognitive functioning, positive mood, reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, improved emotional and behavioural problems, and improved recovery from illness. The quality, quantity and accessibility of green spaces has been linked with stress, especially in urban areas where access is often reduced (Roe et al 2013; van den Berg et al 2010). In addition, increased provision of green space in more disadvantaged residential areas was associated with lower levels of stress in Scotland (Roe et al 2013).

The quality of public open space within a neighbourhood appears to be more important than quantity of public open space when considering the benefits for mental health. In a study where the quantity of neighbourhood public open space was not associated with psychological distress, residents of neighbourhoods with high quality public open space had a lower risk of psychosocial distress than residents of neighbourhoods with low quality public open space. Interestingly, this was not affected by whether or not individuals used the space (Francis, Giles-Corti et al. 2012). Spending time in urban green spaces can increase self-reported levels of friendliness and wellbeing and reduce depression or anxiety (Takayama et al 2014) and parks have been linked to improved concentration, enhanced worker productivity and improved self-esteem (Luria and Lyons, 2010). Ultimately, any exposure to parks and nature promotes mental wellbeing, including evoking positive emotions and an increased feeling of individual resilience (Marselle et al 2013).

Developing a sense of community is vital for the social health of populations. Not only do parks and other green spaces provide opportunities for leisure or physical activity but they are an ideal setting for promoting social cohesion and social capital in urban communities (Kaźmierczak 2013, Konijnendijk et al 2013). Access to outdoor green space within neighbourhoods has been associated with an increased sense of community (Kearney 2006, Sugiyama, Leslie et al. 2008, Francis, Giles-Corti et al. 2012). In fact, living close to more streetscape vegetation has been shown to foster a more cohesive neighbourhood (De Vries et al., 2013) than a neighbourhood with less green space (excluding street trees and residential gardens) (Maas et al., 2009). Park-specific social interactions (i.e. informal communication) contribute to a sense of social wellbeing through cultivating social support (Baur et al 2013). For children too, ‘adventure playgrounds’ allow development of social responsibility and provide opportunities to form new friendships and to engage in social interactions with people from varying age groups

THE ROLE OF GREEN PUBLIC SPACEIN SUPPORTING HEALTH, WELLBEING, BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

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and locations (Staempfli 2009). Even viewing landscaping and pathways to natural areas has been linked to greater sense of community, as has the availability of less developed natural areas (e.g., native vegetation and lakes) and areas containing amenities such as playgrounds and sporting fields (Francis, Giles-Corti et al. 2012).

The inclusion of appropriate types, quality and quantity of green space can strengthen the resilience of towns and cities to respond to the major current and future challenges presented by complex issues such as population growth and climate change. For example, trees and other green infrastructure can reduce the impact of the urban heat island effect caused by increasing global temperatures, by providing shade and balancing the intensity of heat absorbing materials in dense urban environments (Infrastructure.gov.au 2015). Evidence suggests that people in buildings with little or no surrounding vegetation are at higher risk of heat related morbidity (Bi P Williams et. al. 2011).

Environments rich in biodiversity are good for human health. For example, reduced contact between people and the naturally biodiverse environment can reduce diversity in human microbiota, which can lead to immune dysfunction and disease (World Health Organization and Convention on Biological Diversity 2015). Many studies have also reported that the probability of exposure to many diseases is affected by soil microclimate (especially humidity), which is largely determined by interactions among vegetation, detritus and soil structure (Langellotto and Denno 2004).

Finally, people with better access to parks and other green spaces have also been shown to become ill less often and to live longer (Evans, 2003). In addition, the mental health benefits of access to parks are more pronounced for older people compared to either adolescents or adult sub groups (Hawkins et al 2013). This may provide important opportunities for improving quality of life given our ageing population.

Therefore the evidence suggests that the provision of quality green public space provides an effective, population-wide strategy for the promotion of the health and wellbeing for all South Australians, whilst also preserving local ecosystems.

DEFINING THE SCOPE

Green infrastructure is the network of vegetation and water systems in urban areas, across the public and private realms, which provide multiple environmental, economic and social functions and benefits. It is the green and blue spaces in cities and towns that intersperse, connect and support people, plants and animals.

Whilst green private space contributes to health, wellbeing and biodiversity, this Action Plan is focussed on green public space, that is, vegetated land freely available for the public to access in/along parks, public gardens, playgrounds, sporting fields, waterways, lakes, wetlands, conservation areas, civic squares and plazas, accessible school grounds, some community gardens and rooftop gardens in the public realm, greenways and many streetscapes.

This Action Plan intentionally refers to ‘quality’ green public space. From a research perspective what constitutes quality green public space in relation to human and environmental health is still emerging and will be explored as part of this process.

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The Healthy Parks Healthy People SA approach is underpinned by an understanding of the need to build relationships and cooperation between a broad range of stakeholders to deliver the best outcomes. It is recognised that local councils, the development sector and other agencies responsible for the design, development and long term management of green public space face a range of complex challenges in meeting their communities’ needs. By working in partnership, and through the opportunities that may be presented by the planning reform in South Australia, we aim to ensure the provision of quality green public space that supports the liveability and sustainability of our communities and the environment.

WORKING TOGETHER TO ADDRESS THE CHALLENGES

This vision recognises that the provision of quality green public space is essential, in particular for urban infill and renewal sites due to less private green space being available. It needs to be an integral part of urban planning, design, development and management to achieve the desired qualities and benefits.

The major objective of this action plan is:

To support and enhance the provision of quality green public space, in particular in medium and high density developments, for its health and environmental benefits.

VISION AND OBJECTIVE

VISION

Green public space is planned, designed, delivered and managed to provide the quality elements necessary to support health, wellbeing, biodiversity and ecosystem services.

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Action Facilitators Timeframe

1. Identify:

a. what constitutes ‘quality’ green public space in relation to human and environmental health, based on the Quality Green Space Supporting Health, Wellbeing and Biodiversity literature review and other best practice guidance

b. potential policy frameworks and delivery mechanisms to support the uptake of the quality dimensions.

(Workshop/s will be held to support this action)

Reference Group August 2017

2. Building on the outcomes of Action 1, broaden engagement with the planning, development and local government sectors to reach a consensus on:

a. the proposed quality dimensions of green public space, particularly in infill areas, and

b. potential policy frameworks and delivery mechanisms to support the uptake of the quality dimensions.

DPTI

DEWNR & DHA

September 2017

3. Develop best-practice principles for quality green public space and any supporting tool/s, particularly in infill areas, based on the latest research and in collaboration with key partners.

Office for Design and Architecture SA (ODASA) and the Reference Group.

November 2017

4. Apply the draft principles and any supporting tool/s at key urban infill pilot sites as determined by the Safe Communities, Healthy Neighbourhoods Taskforce or through strategic opportunities such as the Parklands demonstration projects and Renewal SA projects.

ODASA

Renewal SA

DEWNR & DHA

March 2018

5. Seek to embed the principles and any supporting tool/s for quality green public space in relevant policy frameworks.

Reference Group Ongoing

6. Advocate for quality green public space (e.g. through workshops and other forums) as opportunities arise.

Reference Group Ongoing

7. Explore opportunities to influence the quality and quantity of private green space in urban areas.

Reference Group Ongoing

TABLE 1: ACTION PLANThe actions outlined below require collaborative action from multiple stakeholders and it is anticipated that additional opportunities to plan, design, deliver and manage quality green public space will emerge and be co-designed throughout the project.

These actions support the intent and themes of the Public Health Partner Authority Agreement between the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources and the Department for Health and Ageing.

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This Action Plan is sponsored by Sally Smith, General Manager, Planning Reform at the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI), Kirsteen MacKay, SA Government Architect at the Office for Design and Architecture SA (ODASA), and the President of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects - SA Chapter (AILA SA).

The Sponsors will provide strategic direction to the Green Public Space Reference Group (the Reference Group) whose role will be to co-ordinate, implement and report on the actions outlined in Table 1. The Reference Group consists of members from DPTI, DEWNR, DHA, the Local Government Association, the Heart Foundation, and representation from local councils.

The Reference Group will draw on membership of the Active Living Coalition and key stakeholders including the development sector and broader local government partners.

The Reference Group will report quarterly to the Healthy Parks Healthy People SA Leadership Team, co-chaired by the Chief Executive, DEWNR and Chief Executive, SA Health. The Leadership Team is a high-level strategic advisory group leading the Healthy Parks Healthy People SA agenda.

GOVERNANCE

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REFERENCESAstell-Burt, T., Feng, X., & Kolt, G. S. (2013). Green space is associated with walking and moderate-to-

vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in middle-to-older-aged adults: findings from 203 883 Australians in the 45 and Up Study. British journal of sports medicine, bjsports-2012.

Australian Bureau of Statistics (2012). http://www.abs.gov.au/

Australian Bureau of Statistics (2013). Australian Demographic Statistics. Canberra, ABS.

Barton, J., & Pretty, J. (2010). What is the best dose of nature and green exercise for improving mental health? A multi-study analysis. Environmental science & technology, 44(10), 3947-3955.

Baur, J. W., Tynon, J. F., & Gómez, E. (2013). Attitudes about urban nature parks: A case study of users and nonusers in Portland, Oregon. Landscape and Urban Planning, 117, 100-111.

Bi, P, Williams S, Loughnan M, Lloyd G, Hansen A, Kjellstrom T, Dear K, Saniotis A. 2011. The Effects of Extreme Heat on Human Mortality and Morbidity in Australia: Implications for Public Health. Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health. 23(2):27S-36S.

Briscione, M. A., Jovanovic, T., & Norrholm, S. D. (2014). Conditioned fear associated phenotypes as robust, translational indices of trauma-, stressor-, and anxiety-related behaviors. Frontiers in psychiatry, 5, 88.

de Vries, S., van Dillen, S. M., Groenewegen, P. P., & Spreeuwenberg, P. (2013). Streetscape greenery and health: stress, social cohesion and physical activity as mediators. Social Science & Medicine, 94, 26-33.

Evans, GW (2003). The built environment and mental health. J Urban Health: Bull N Y Acad Med; 80(4).

Francis, J., Wood, L. J., Knuiman, M., & Giles-Corti, B. (2012). Quality or quantity? Exploring the relationship between Public Open Space attributes and mental health in Perth, Western Australia. Social science & medicine, 74(10), 1570-1577.

Francis, J., et al. (2012). "Creating sense of community: The role of public space." Journal of Environmental Psychology 32(4): 401-409.

Hawkins JL, Mercer J, Thirlaway KJ, Clayton DA (2013). ‘“Doing” gardening and “being” at the allotment site: exploring the benefits of allotment gardening for stress reduction and healthy aging’, Ecopsychology, 5(2):110-25.

Kaźmierczak, A. (2013). The contribution of local parks to neighbourhood social ties. Landscape and Urban Planning, 109(1), 31-44.

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Kearney, A. R. (2006). "Residential Development Patterns and Neighborhood Satisfaction: Impacts of Density and Nearby Nature." Environment and Behavior 38(1): 112-139.

Konijnendijk, C. C., Annerstedt, M., Nielsen, A. B., & Maruthaveeran, S. (2013). Benefits of urban parks: a systematic review. A report for IPFRA. IFPRA.

Langellotto, G. A. and R. F. Denno (2004). Responses of invertebrate natural enemies to complex-structured habitats: a meta-analytical synthesis. Oecologia 139(1): 1-10.

Luria, P., Lyons, M (2010). Health and sustainability. Fact sheet 6: Urban green space and public health. Centre for Public Health, Liverpool John Moores University.

Maas J, Van Dillen SM, Verheij RA and Groenewegen PP (2009). ‘Social contacts as a possible mechanism behind the relation between green space and health’, Health & Place, 15(2):586-95.

Maas, J (2013). Vitamin G (Green spaces and health): Potential mechanisms, policy implications and ideas for further research, Neighbourhood Structure and Health Promotion.

Marselle M, Irvine K and Warber S (2013). ‘Walking for well-being: are group walks in certain types of natural environments better for well-being than group walks in urban environments?’, International journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 10(11):5603-28.

Richardson D and Parker M (2011). A rapid review of the evidence base in relation to physical activity and green space and health, http://www.hmpartnerships.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Physical-Activity-Green-Spaceand-Health-FINAL-DRAFT.pdf

Roe JJ, Thompson CW, Aspinall PA, Brewer MJ, Duff EI and Miller D (2013). ‘Green space and stress: evidence from cortisol measures in deprived urban communities’, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 10(9):4086-103.

Staempfli, M. (2009). Reintroducing adventure into children’s outdoor play environments. Environment and Behaviour, 41(2), 268-280.

Sugiyama T, Okely AD, Masters JM and Moore GT (2012). ‘Attributes of child care centers and outdoor play areas associated with preschoolers’ physical activity and sedentary behavior’, Environment and Behavior, 44(3):334-49.

Sugiyama, T., et al. (2008). Associations of neighbourhood greenness with physical and mental health: do walking, social coherence and local social interaction explain the relationships? Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health 62(5): e9-e9.

Takayama, N., Korpela, K., Lee, J., Morikawa, T., Tsunetsugu, Y., Park, B. J., & Kagawa, T. (2014). Emotional, restorative and vitalizing effects of forest and urban environments at four sites in Japan. International journal of environmental research and public health, 11(7), 7207-7230.

van den Berg AE, Maas J, Verheij RA and Groenewegen PP (2010). ‘Green space as a buffer between stressful life events and health’, Social Science & Medicine, 70(8):1203-10.

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Governmentof South Australia

Cover imageBowden Main Park by Aspect Studios. Client Renewal SA. Image by Sweet Lime Photo.

Page 2. Acknowledgement pageOaklands Park Masterplan and Wetland by T.C.L. Image by Alex Lock.

Page 9.Holland Street by JPE Design Studio. Client City of West Torrens. Image by Sam Noonan

Page 10/11.Lartelare Aboriginal Heritage Park by T.C.L. Image by Andy Rasheed.

Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia License www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au Copyright Owner: Crown in right of the State of South Australia 2015. FIS 94563 | September 2017

Disclaimer While every reasonable effort has been made to verify the information in this fact sheet use of the information contained is at your sole risk. The Department recommends that you independently verify the information before taking any action.