b'PARKLANDThe recommendations reflectConversely, the use of outdoor spaceswith ready access to high-quality an increased understanding offor passive recreation was certainlygreen space, it is fair to ask what the well-being. Critically, the studyencouraged by public officials andimpacts on residents that do not have recommends avoiding a return topublic health experts because hikingthat benefit are.the status quo. 3and cycling were considered safe activities. Cities across CanadaHOW TO MAKE PARKLANDPerhaps the research makesexpanded patio spaces, cycling lanesA PRIORITYthese conclusions because ofand walkable places. Asmore than80 per cent of Canadas the impact of play structure andpopulation live in cities, and with more spray pad closures from the earlyOther research confirms theseCanadians than ever living in locations days of pandemic restrictions infindings. A group of students fromwithout backyards or private green Canada. These restrictions wereRedeemer University College inspace, the local park is the closest an effort tokeep residents safeHamilton surveyed residents aroundand most readily accessible natural and distanced during a time whenGage Park, a Canadian Society ofsetting they have. With what has been so little was known about how theLandscape Architects Legacy Award- observed over 2020 and into 2021, virus spread and how long it livedwinning large green space in theit is clearer than ever that access to on surfaces. More severely, inheart of the city. 4They asked how theparkland serves an important role in manyregions,citiesand provincesresidents use changed as a result ofhealthy and liveable cities.closedtheparks as well, leavingthe pandemic and any other changes residents living in high-densitythey noticed in their time at the park.But how do municipal leaders housing with few opportunitiescontinue to make parkland a priority?to safely get fresh air andThe study 5concluded that more than exercise.Thankfully, more recent50 per cent of respondents reportedMake funding a prioritylockdowns have excluded thesea negative impact on their mentalBuilders of green spaces face restrictions, as the virus is muchhealth due to the pandemic, citingmany challenges. When it comes better understood so public healthincreases in stress levels as a majorto affording the costs to build and decisions have adapted as well. factor. If this is the case for residentsmaintain parks, municipalities have overwhelming infrastructure 3 deficits and struggle togenerate Ibid, p. 17.4 Canadian Society of Landscape Architects Legacy Award: Gage Park, money to pay for all the competinghttps://www.csla.aapc.ca/awards/gage-park-2016. projects that arent fully funded by 5Municipal World Insider and Executive Members: You can download this study in the research library ondevelopmentcharges. municipalworld.com. Access it form inside your membership area! Just search for public parks.ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS 15'