Transforming streets while creating green public space

IN recent weeks, several news items highlighted the severe insufficiency of green public space in our cities. The crowds that descended on places like the Manila Bay Dolomite Beach and the Marikina River Park underscored that all of us, especially families with young children, need to have readily accessible places for relaxation, play, exercise and to be around nature, water and greenery as often as possible. Many progressive cities are setting a target of having green public space within a 10-minute walk of every household. We need to do the same.

The benefits of regular exposure to green-blue environments are well-documented, especially its contribution to physical and mental health. There is abundant research showing that living close to green spaces is associated with better health outcomes. People who have frequent exposure to nature or who have a view of trees or bodies of water are also less prone to suffer from depression.