the connection of people to place (Stephens 2007, Louv 2005). Furthermore, children’s abilities to deal with stress, manage risks, and interact socially without conflict are increased when they play in nature (Louv 2005, ColeHamilton et al. 2002). Activities in park settings have been shown to improve the ability of children with ADD to concentrate (Taylor 2001).
Alternative Transportation Creating over 2,174 new parks in the City has the potential to increase walkability in neighborhoods and promote alternative forms of transportation. Green field destinations within walking distance of peoples’ homes will foster a more walking-friendly urban environment and encourage people to walk more. Walking has a positive impact on people’s health (Morris, Hardmen 1997). The green infrastructure that these parks add enhances the pedestrian experience for people walking on adjacent streets. Green field designs such as Lincoln Heights’ Arroyo Seco Park and Westlake’s Poplar Plaza (see Chapter 8) enhance the experience of waiting for the bus by providing seating opportunities and shade, creating more pleasant areas to wait. Furthermore, green fields can contribute to creating a more bike-friendly city by including bicycle access and paths (such as at the Arroyo Seco Park site), and by providing bicycle racks.
Increased Food Options Urban agriculture green field solutions, such as the community garden in the Lincoln Heights Local example design (see Chapter 8), will increase access to healthy food options. In addition, community gardens stimulate positive social interactions between people in a neighborhood (Sherer 2006). Increasing access to healthy food options can result in improved public health. Studies show that a change in diet to include more fruits and vegetables and fewer high calorie processed foods could prevent as many as 35% of the annual deaths attributed to cancer (Los Angeles County Public Health Services 2004). Healthy diets promoted by urban agriculture also reduce the risk of health complications due to obesity (Gies 2006).
Environmental Health Dramatically increasing the amount of green space throughout the City will have numerous environmental benefits. The addition of green fields, especially those
focused on ecological solutions such as stormwater treatment and native vegetation, will improve the City’s environmental conditions for residents and enhance the sustainability of the City’s environmental support systems. Green fields may also provide wildlife habitat for small mammals, reptiles, and insects. By incorporating design considerations of R2G-LA such as using sustainable materials and practices (see Chapter 9) numerous green fields will feature environmental benefits even if that is not their primary programming.
Improved Water Quality and Infiltration The benefits to the hydrologic system in Los Angeles may be significant. Increased permeable surfaces and low impact development practices such as collecting water in bioswales (such as in the Lincoln Heights Local and Arroyo Seco Park design examples) and detention basins will improve water quality and groundwater infiltration and recharge (Davis 2005). In addition, vegetation is important for removing pollutants from runoff, and improving the quality of stormwater before it reaches waterways (Davis 2005). Although currently only 11% of the City’s water supply comes from groundwater, a number of factors put the City’s water supply at risk (Villaraigosa 2008). More water may need to be drawn from the groundwater supply as the population increases, climate changes, and more distant sources become unavailable (Villariagosa 2008). Capturing and infiltrating the first ¾” of rainfall throughout the region could triple the amount of water that percolates to groundwater basins each year (Chau 2009), and for every 5% of tree cover added to a community, stormwater runoff is reduced by approximately 2% (Coder 1996). Numerous best management practices (BMP’s) are available for implementation in parks and public spaces, which are directed at managing runoff and improving water quality (Davis 2005). A study done by Community Conservancy International (2008) found that nearly 40% of Los Angeles County’s needs for cleaning polluted runoff could be met by implementing low impact development projects on existing public lands. Implementing these strategies on green fields in addition to existing parks could meet even more of the County’s need.
Reduced Heat Island Effect Creating green fields throughout the City will improve the climate by reducing the heat island effect. Increasing tree canopy cover, shading pavement and converting Conclusion
177