Parks for Health is a research project about identifying which characteristics of public open spaces are most important for our health and well-being. Time outdoors provides physical and mental health benefits, promotes community and boosts our life satisfaction. However, less understood are the design qualities that support wellbeing effects, or that promote or prohibit our use of different types of outdoor spaces.

This study aims to elevate our understanding of how park design affects how we choose to engage and derive benefits from open spaces such as greenways, bushland, parks and playgrounds.  Through the perspectives of designers, managers and users, the relationship between the design qualities of public open spaces and its well-being effect on users is explored. The research will use ‘concept mapping’ to collect the perspectives of study participants, generate ideas and rate them.  The research generated through Parks for Health builds on health research while providing valuable insights into the future design, planning and management of public open space.

For more information or to contact the study team please email: suzanne.carroll@canberra.edu

• Dr Suzanne Carroll – Chief Investigator and Senior Research Fellow, HRI
• Prof Gavin Turrell – Chief investigator and Professor of Epidemiology, HRI
• Gweneth Leigh PhD candidate - HRI and Faculty of Arts and Design
• Prof Richard Keegan - Faculty of Health / UC-RISE
• Dr Gregor Mews - Urban Design and Town Planning, University of Sunshine Coast
• Dr Milica Muminovic - Faculty of Arts and Design, University of Canberra
• Assist Professor Ro McFarlane - Faculty of Health, University of Canberra