With over a year of epidemic-adjusted living, we have all become increasingly strategic and intentional about setting up our home space and surroundings. With the lure of overseas travel temporarily suspended, the general population has shifted their focus into developing innovative, functional and aesthetically pleasing living spaces. One of our new subdivisions, College woods in Lakeview, envelopes pockets of green space. Have you considered the importance of and access to green space when deciding where to purchase a home? Research shows that green space contributes to improved mental health.
Green Space and Mental Health.
A study funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Health measured the effect of access to green space in neighbourhoods. They found that “decreased distance to usable green space and increased proportion of green space within the larger neighbourhood were associated with decreased anxiety/mood disorder treatment counts in an urban environment” (Nutsford et al. 2013). Similarly a study in Wisconsin showed that access to these green spaces contributed to reduced stress and recovery from mental fatigue. Additionally there appears to be evidence that if a sample of the general population were placed in more green-space favoured environments, the following health benefits would ensue: the amount of physical activity for the general population would increase and risks of cardio-vascular disease would go down.
Decreased distance to usable green space and increased proportion of green space within the larger neighbourhood [are] associated with decreased anxiety/mood disorder treatment counts in an urban environment.
For most of us, these past two years have been wrought with work environment adjustments, social limitations, and stay-at-home orders. With the future unclear, regular maintenance of our emotional and mental well-being is imperative – so let’s consider some possibilities!
City living has meant that humans have less engagement with greenspace. However, as a result of the research promoting the positive outcomes of green space access, Developers have seen the importance of ensuring and protecting these spaces.
This is exactly the rationale behind our newest project at Lakeview. Offering a taste of nature, Lakeview is within walking distance of Poplar lake and Eusebio Garcia Park in the Klarvatten area of Edmonton Lake District. These two locales are home to a variety of small lake fauna and are hedged by numerous winding pathways that invite outdoor activity.
We are very excited to be able to offer this new area to our clients. This neighbourhood is well established while also disconnected from city clamor. The lots are strategically placed with green space bordering the rear entryway.
We know that it is important for your living space to be a place where you feel refreshed and rejuvenated while within the proximity of your work and school commitments. We highly recommend Lakeview as an option to promote your health and wellbeing.
Feature Photo by Ksenia Makagonova on Unsplash
Second Photo by Sigmund on Unsplash
References:
Beyer, Kirsten, Andrea Kaltenbach, Aniko Szabo, Sandra Bogar, F. Nieto, and Kristen Malecki. “Exposure to Neighborhood Green Space and Mental Health: Evidence from the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 11, no. 3 (2014): 3453-472. doi:10.3390/ijerph110303453.
Nutsford, D., A.l. Pearson, and S. Kingham. “An Ecological Study Investigating the Association between Access to Urban Green Space and Mental Health.” Public Health 127, no. 11 (2013): 1005-011. doi:10.1016/j.puhe.2013.08.016.
Richardson, E.a., J. Pearce, R. Mitchell, and S. Kingham. “Role of Physical Activity in the Relationship between Urban Green Space and Health.” Public Health 127, no. 4 (2013): 318-24. doi:10.1016/j.puhe.2013.01.004.