Eco-psycology is possibly already being considered by some as a factor inThis is precisely why the Minneapolis park system is so valuable, why it is the preiminent city park system in the U.S.
planning and redevelopment in Minneapolis. Thought I would forward this
interesting recent posting by the Mn Office of Environmental Assistance (
http://www.nextstep.state.mn.us/update.cfm ). Studies are starting to show
that having greenspace interspersed in the urban landscape is not only nice
for nature and nature lovers, but actually improves human mental and
physical health. --- Dave Stack, Harrison
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I am absolute convinced that if even half a dozen of the major parks and lakes (e.g. Wirth, Calhoun, Nokomis, Boom Island, Lakeview Terrace, and Powerhorn) disappeared, the violent crime rate would go up in a big way, especially on those really hot summer days. The soothing visual landscapes, the cool shady parks and lakes are a great balm for the spirit and mind. Less stress, less anger, fewer lost tempers, less crime.
Without our fantastic park system, Minneapolis would virtually never make the top 100 of those "great places to live" lists. Businesses would have that much more difficulty recruiting good employees to come work here.
I've lived all over the U.S. No city this size has anything remotely like our park system. Even Boulder, Colorado, with its great mountain park system suffers in comparison because those major parks are on the western edge of the city, not scattered throughout it, putting everybody close to a park as in Minneapolis.
Sorry for co-opting your topic somewhat, Dave. I do believe these studies are showing some things that I've felt were true for years.
Simply looking out a window at a pleasant landscape often seems to reduce the stress and the blood pressure immediately and measurably. I've had a couple of jobs where I had that privilege. Most others were not so pleasant. One particular job looked out over the Minnesota River valley near Black Dog. I saw deer, woodchuck, wild turkies and hawks out our office windows. Very pleasant.
Chris Johnson Fulton
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