Our
surroundings have a significant impact on
our mental health both at work, at home
and around the neighborhood. If you are in the position to offer input
regarding your work campus or housing development, you may want to make some
substantial changes. Trees and green space are a must, but you can customize
areas for maximum use and enjoyment. Different features will be best for
different uses so the first step is to determine your needs and usage goals.
Activity
Activity
In some regions,
green spaces are interspersed throughout neighborhoods to promote physical
activity. If this is the case for you, include numerous bike paths and walking
trails. The National Park Service offers guidelines
for trail specifics, and local entities may
offer recommendations as well. If the budget allows, incorporate physical
fitness stations at intervals along one of the paths. Equipment can be grouped
together so that you can implement a full circuit in even the smallest spaces.
Workday Use
If you are
designing a work campus or an open space surrounded by businesses you will want
the area to appeal to adults taking breaks from stressful jobs. Add features
that promote serenity like an Asian inspired garden. Display a group of
sculptures by a local artist. Develop the park around a pond or small lake; for
aesthetics and cleanliness incorporate pond aerators and fountains in the design. Set watering systems to activate
before 6 a.m. and after 7 p.m. to avoid soaking users in their business suits.
Be sure there are picnic tables especially if the property borders eateries or
is frequented by food trucks.
Families
Bringing families to the park can maximize park usage
from sunrise to sunset. Install playground equipment for those with young
children and a skate park for teens. Set aside a fenced area as a dog parkand
be sure to include clean-up stations that are regularly stocked with waste
bags. Picnic tables should be included in the design, ideally under shade
trees. For best results, set up twice as many trash receptacles as you think
you will need.
