Healthy community design can benefit
children as well as adults in many important ways. At a
time when obesity and diabetes are rising among children,
when asthma continues to be highly prevalent and when
conditions such as attention deficit disorder may be on the
rise, it is crucial to seek, understand, and implement
environmental design solutions that might help with these
health challenges. There are several issues related to land
design.
Parks and green spaces
are another example. Research increasingly suggests that
children benefit from the opportunity to play outdoors,
where they can explore and enjoy natural environments.
Planning parks near residential areas -- and making sure
that the parks include attractive landscaping, well-designed
amenities such as playgrounds and sports facilities, and
safe routes leading to and from them -- can be invaluable as
part of a strategy of community design that is healthy and
nurturing for children.
