From our work and research, we know that the investment in safe public green spaces pays off in more ways than one. Access to nature can have a positive impact on mental health, physical health, an individual’s sense of belonging and more.
A new study conducted at UVA looked at some of the existing research on urban green space. The goal was to better understand if well-kept public green space has the ability to mitigate violent crime. Going forward, the team hopes to guide strategies for the design and maintenance of urban green space. Public gardens could then be used as a purposeful step towards making our communities safer.
