A Park is Never Just a Park
- Wilhelminah Juma
- May 30
- 4 min read
Lessons from the European Day of Parks
Every year on May 24, countries across the continent celebrate the European Day of Parks, a moment dedicated not just to acknowledging green spaces but to elevating their role in protecting biodiversity, enhancing human well-being, and preserving cultural heritage. This is more than a symbolic gesture. It reflects a deep understanding that a park is never just a park. It is a space where nature and people coexist, where the environment, health, and community development are all intrinsically linked.
Across Europe, parks are not considered optional amenities. They are treated as essential public infrastructure, budgeted for alongside roads, schools, and healthcare services. The EUROPARC Federation reports that there are more than 400 national parks and over 100,000 protected areas across Europe, covering approximately 22% of the continent’s landmass. These spaces are meticulously maintained, supported by national and municipal budgets, and often integrated into every level of urban and rural planning. In fact, about 70% of Europeans live within walking distance of a green space, which highlights the accessibility and presence of parks across the region.
This commitment is evident in both small urban spaces and large wildlife parks. Take, for instance, Vondelpark in Amsterdam, which receives more than 10 million visitors each year. It's not just a place for leisure, it's a space for jogging, open-air concerts, yoga classes, and personal reflection. Similarly, Parc de la Ciutadella in Barcelona integrates green space with cultural features, housing museums, playgrounds, and even a zoo. On the more expansive side, Gran Paradiso National Park in Italy protects more than 60 mammal species and over 1,000 plant species, while also offering a sustainable tourism model that supports local economies.
What makes these parks so vital is the multi-layered value they provide. In terms of mental health, green spaces are now recognized as essential. The World Health Organization reports that individuals who live within 300 meters of a green space are less likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. Even just two hours per week spent in nature can lead to measurable improvements in mental well-being. Furthermore, parks actively promote healthier lifestyles. According to the European Environment Agency, access to parks increases physical activity by 48% in adults and more than 60% in children, significantly reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and obesity.
Environmental benefits are just as profound. Urban parks play a critical role in climate mitigation. By reducing the urban heat island effect, parks can lower city temperatures by 1 to 3 degrees Celsius, making them crucial as global temperatures rise. Trees within city parks also absorb air pollutants and sequester carbon, one mature tree can absorb up to 22 kilograms of carbon dioxide annually, helping cities meet their emission targets.
Beyond health and climate, parks serve as vital social infrastructure. In many urban neighborhoods, especially those with limited economic means, parks are the primary space for leisure and socialization. In Paris, for example, 80% of low-income families cite parks as their only regular recreational outlet. These green spaces foster social cohesion, encourage cultural exchange, and provide a safe space for children to play and communities to gather.
Economically, the argument for investing in parks is equally compelling. For every euro invested in green infrastructure, cities can see a return of up to four euros in health savings, increased property values, and climate adaptation benefits. The broader nature-based tourism sector in Europe, driven heavily by national parks and conservancies, supports more than 6 million jobs.
So what can we learn from this European model of park protection and integration? First, we must rethink the scale. Parks don’t need to be sprawling reserves to have a meaningful impact. Even small urban parks, or “pocket parks,” as seen in cities like Copenhagen, can offer immense health and environmental benefits. In fact, Copenhagen has pioneered the concept of converting parking spaces into “parklets”—tiny green spots with benches and flowers that encourage pedestrians to pause and connect with nature.
Second, every urban development policy should include provisions for green spaces. In many European countries, urban planning guidelines mandate that every resident should live within 300 meters of a public green area. Such policies should be mirrored globally, especially in fast-growing cities across Africa and Asia, where green spaces are often an afterthought in the race for development.
Third, we must allocate consistent budgets for green spaces, not as one-off beautification projects, but as long-term investments in public health, climate resilience, and social well-being. Cities like Vienna spend up to 3% of their total municipal budgets on maintaining and developing green infrastructure. It’s a strategic investment, not a luxury.
Finally, we must not forget about our wildlife parks and conservancies. Just as Gran Paradiso in Italy or Sarek in Sweden protect biodiversity while supporting eco-tourism, Africa’s great parks—like the Serengeti or Maasai Mara—also serve multiple functions: safeguarding endangered species, supporting livelihoods, and preserving indigenous knowledge. The key lies in balancing protection with inclusive management and ensuring that communities benefit from conservation.
As the world celebrates the European Day of Parks, we are reminded that the value of green spaces cannot be overstated. Parks are schools of life, sanctuaries of peace, engines of health, and bastions of biodiversity. Whether it’s a shaded city square or a sweeping savannah, every park plays a role in shaping a more sustainable, inclusive, and livable future.
So, let’s move beyond seeing parks as aesthetic features. Let’s recognize them for what they truly are: vital, vibrant spaces for people and planet.
Being intentional about creating spaces where we can unwind and decompress, relieves us from stress ultimately causing our minds to be more creative and innovative.