The Restorative Effects of Urban Parks on Stress Control Ability and Community Attachment

Abstract

Urban parks support community well-being and foster social connections through their restorative effects. This study examined the benefits of visiting parks, particularly perceived stress reduction and community attachment. Moreover, we analyzed the restoration effects as perceived by park users to gauge potential improvements in stress management and community bonding. Our findings revealed that spending time in urban parks offers significant benefits, notably enhancing stress management abilities and attachment to the community. In particular, park users’ perception of restorative effects was associated with increased levels of community attachment. A lack of perceived restorative effects negatively impacted stress management capabilities. These findings have critical implications for the sustainability of urban park development and management, emphasizing their contribution to residents’ mental health and community bonding. By recognizing and maximizing the restorative potential of urban parks, policymakers and park managers can create spaces that foster improved mental health, stronger social connections, and enhanced community well-being.