This presentation from the 2015 New Mexico Recreation and Parks Association Conference describes the idea of optimizing community health and wellbeing with strategic design, operation, and maintenance decisions for park, recreation, and open space facilities. The presentation explores community-specific solutions and discusses the science and research that supports the correlation between park design and wellness. Mimi Burns, ASLA, LEED AP, is a registered landscape architect who works with public and private clients to raise awareness of community health and wellbeing and to create custom strategies that facilitate community health, wellbeing, and happiness.

1. MIMI BURNS, ASLA, LEED AP
Park Design for Community Health & Well-Being
N E W M E X I C O R E C R E AT I O N & PA R K S A S S O C I AT I O N | 11 . 6 . 1 5

2. “PUBLIC PARKS AND RECREATION ARE THE GATEWAYS TO A HEALTHIER
AMERICA, AND THEY ENSURE THAT COMMUNITIES ARE TRULY LIVABLE.”
-National Recreation and Park Association
COMMUNITY HEALTH

3. A 2011 STUDY CONDUCTED ON SEATTLE’S PARK AND RECREATION SYSTEM REVEALED
THAT SEATTLE’S RESIDENTS WERE ABLE TO SAVE $64 MILLION IN MEDICAL COSTS
AS A RESULT OF GETTING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN THE PARKS.
- N a t i o n a l R e c r e a t i o n & P a r k s A s s o c i a t i o n .
Parks provide opportunities
for physical activity
• Increases activity in children and adults
• Reduces obesity
• Reduces incidence of chronic illness
• Reduces stress
COMMUNITY HEALTH

4. COMMUNITY HEALTH
OBESITY RAT
ES
THESTATE
OF
O
B E S I T Y , B E T T E R P O L I C I E S F O R A
H E A L
THIER
AMERICA

5. Parks Provide Opportunities for
People to Connect to Nature
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Improves mood
• Provides mental respite, refreshing us for
new tasks
• Improves interpersonal skills and
relationships
Foster a Sense of Community,
Altruism and Empathy
(Mitigates egoism)
COMMUNITY HEALTH

6. COMMUNITY WELLBEING
“COMMUNITY WELLBEING IS THE
COMBINATION OF SOCIAL, ECONOMIC,
ENVIRONMENTAL, CULTURAL, AND
POLITICAL CONDITIONS IDENTIFIED
BY INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR
COMMUNITIES AS ESSENTIAL FOR
THEM TO FLOURISH AND FULFILL
THEIR POTENTIAL.”
- W i s e m a n a n d B r a s h e r ( 2 0 0 8 )

7. Related Concepts
• Quality of Life
• Happiness
• Individual Wellbeing
• Community Development
COMMUNITY
WELLBEING

8. Certification Programs
• LEED
• SUSTAINABLE SITES INITIATIVE
• WELL BUILDING STANDARD
APPLYING
THE SCIENCE

9. LEADERSHIP IN ENERGY AND
ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN (LEED)
A green building rating and certification
program that recognizes best-in-class building
and development strategies and practices
that will save money and resources and have a
positive impact on the health of citizens, while
promoting renewable, clean energy.
APPLYING
THE SCIENCE

10. LEED
Relevant Categories
• Sustainable Sites
• Water Efficiency
• Materials & Resources
• Smart Location & Linkage
• Neighborhood Pattern & Design
• Green Infrastructure & Building

11. SUSTAINABLE SITES INITIATIVE
A rating system and tool for designing sustainable
sites based on the organization and operations of
natural systems
APPLYING
THE SCIENCE

12. “ANY LANDSCAPE ...HOLDS THE POTENTIAL
BOTH TO IMPROVE AND TO REGENERATE
THE NATURAL BENEFITS AND SERVICES
PROVIDED BY ECOSYSTEMS IN THEIR
UNDEVELOPED STATE.”
- S u s t a i n a b l e S i t e s I n i t i a t i v e
SUSTAINABLE SITES
INITIATIVE

13. SUSTAINABLE SITES
INITIATIVE
Relevant Categories for Parks
• Context: conservation and protection of aquatic,
habitat, floodplains; multi-modal connections
• Predesign Assessment: public engagement,
integrative process, soil protection zones
• Construction: sustainable practices, land
restoration, waste diversion
• Operations + Maintenance: renewable power,
recycling, composting

14. SUSTAINABLE SITES
INITIATIVE
Relevant Categories for Parks
• Design for Water: stormwater features, water
treatment and quality, irrigation
• Design for Soil Stewardship: soil amendments,
erosion, use of fertilizers
• Plant Stewardship: care, pest management,
invasive plant management

15. SUSTAINABLE SITES
INITIATIVE
Human Health & Wellbeing
• Cultural and Historic Preservation
• Mental Restoration
• Support Physical Activity
• Social Connections
• Food Production
• The Local Economy

16. WELL BUILDING STANDARD
A building rating system and design tool
used to create buildings that are better for
people. Each feature references the human
body systems that it is intended to benefit
(cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine,
immune, integumentary, muscular, nervous,
reproductive, respiratory, skeletal, urinary).
APPLYING
THE SCIENCE

17. WELL BUILDING
STANDARD
Relevant Features for Parks
• Air: smoking ban, pesticide management,
cleanable environment
• Water: fundamental water quality, drinking
water promotion
• Nourishment: processed food, food advertising
and food production
Reduce Use of Herbicides/Pesticides and
Eliminate Use of Pre-emergents
Community Food Production
Drinking Water Promotion

18. WELL BUILDING
STANDARD
Relevant Features for Parks
• Fitness: exterior active design, physical
activity spaces, active transportation support
• Comfort accessibility standards

19. WELL BUILDING
STANDARD
Relevant Features for Parks
• Mind: health and wellness awareness, altruism
and biophilia

20. The World Health Organization just Raised the Carcinogenic Status of Glyphosate
Credit: http://www.nationofchange.org/2015/wp-content/uploads/RoundUpSafety.jpg
The World Health Organization just raised the
Carcinogenic Status of Glyphosate
WELL BUILDING STANDARD
FEATURE 10: PESTICIDE MANAGEMENT

21. R o u n d - U p
Glyphosate is regularly used in agriculture, public parks, school grounds and playing
fields across the US and globally
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9gYCdc/s1600/Men+spraying+chemicals+withou
t+masks.JPG
http://www.motherjones.com/files/images/777.jpg
WELL BUILDING STANDARD
FEATURE 10: PESTICIDE MANAGEMENT
Glyphosate (Round-Up) is regularly used in agriculture, public parks,
school grounds, and playing fields across the US and globally.

22. Has a 60-day life…
Do you know when they last
sprayed your school?
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R o u n d - U p
60-day life…
know when they last
d your school?
n d - U pWELL BUILDING
STANDARD
FEATURE 10: PESTICIDE
MANAGEMENT
Round-Up has a 60-day life...

23. • 80% decrease in pesticide use
• 88% reduction in use of the herbicide glyphosate (ingredient in Roundup)
• Prohibited use of pre-emergent herbicides
W EL L’s Mo d e l I PM Pl a n : C i t y o f S a n F r a n c i s c o
• 80% decrease in pesticide use
• 88% reduction in use of the herbicide glyphosate (ingredient in Roundup)
• Prohibited use of pre-emergent herbicides
W EL L’s Mo d e l I PM Pl a n : C i t y o f S a n F r a n c i s c o
WELL BUILDING STANDARD
FEATURE 10: PESTICIDE MANAGEMENT
• 80% decrease in pesticide use
• 88% reduction in use of the herbicide glyphosate (ingredient in Roundup)
• Prohibited use of pre-emergent herbicides

24. In New Jersey, all public, private and charter
schools are required to adopt an IPM Policy
that includes a school-specific IPM Plan.
WELL BUILDING STANDARD
FEATURE 10: PESTICIDE MANAGEMENT
In New Jersey, all public, private, and charter schools are required to adopt
an IPM Policy that includes a school-specific IPM Plan.

25. PEST MANAGEMENT ACTIONS
Hand pull weeds
Monitor weekly
Hand pull weeds prior to flowering
Monitor weekly
Mow or scythe to remove flowers
Consider increasing desirable plants to increase good coverage
Hand pull weeds prior to flowering
Monitor weekly
Mow or scythe to remove flowers
Consider increasing desirable plants to increase good coverage
Consider solarization of soil and replanting with competitive plants
Last resort: spot use of chemicals
THRESHOLDS/OBSERVATIONS
Level 1:
Presence of identifiable weed
Level 2:
Flowering weeds starting or there is
competition with more than 10% of
intentional landscape
Level 3:
Weed population is outcompeting
intentional landscape or more than 50%
of intentional landscape
I P M f o r S c h o o l s | H e r b i c i d e R e d u c t i o n
PEST MANAGEMENT ACTIONS
Hand pull weeds
Monitor weekly
Hand pull weeds prior to flowering
Monitor weekly
Mow or scythe to remove flowers
Consider increasing desirable plants to increase good coverage
Hand pull weeds prior to flowering
Monitor weekly
Mow or scythe to remove flowers
Consider increasing desirable plants to increase good coverage
Consider solarization of soil and replanting with competitive plants
Last resort: spot use of chemicals
THRESHOLDS/OBSERVATIONS
Level 1:
Presence of identifiable weed
Level 2:
Flowering weeds starting or there is
competition with more than 10% of
intentional landscape
Level 3:
Weed population is outcompeting
intentional landscape or more than 50%
of intentional landscape
I P M f o r S c h o o l s | H e r b i c i d e R e d u c t i o n
WELL BUILDING STANDARD
FEATURE 10: PESTICIDE MANAGEMENT

26. Landscape Renovation
Sandia Prep School
Albuquerque, NM
before
after
H e r b i c i d e R e d u c t i o n
Landscape Renovation
Sandia Prep School
Albuquerque, NM
before
after
H e r b i c i d e R e d u c t i o n
WELL BUILDING STANDARD
FEATURE 10: PESTICIDE MANAGEMENT

27. HERBICIDE REDUCTION ACTIONS
• Replace turf grass with native grass and
wildflower blend
• Educate public about the change
• Hand pull weeds (intensively for 1 year, less for 2)
• Monitor weed growth weekly
• Mow or scythe to remove flowers
• Last resort: spot use of chemicals
A l b u q u e r q u e , N M
RESULTS
• Eliminated use of herbicide in landscape area
• Reduced water use by 50%
• Reduced labor after first year: periodic
weeding; mowing/clean up 1-2 times a year
• Landscape is an education area
C a s e S t u d y | S a n d i a P r e p a r a t o r y S c h o o l
Landscape Renovation
Sandia Prep School
Albuquerque, NM
before
after
WELL BUILDING STANDARD
FEATURE 10: PESTICIDE MANAGEMENT

28. Optimizing Community
Health & Wellbeing
Design approaches that have a broad and positive
impact on social, economic, environmental,
cultural, and political conditions
STRATEGIES

29. STRATEGIES
• The Biophilia hypothesis suggests that
there is an instinctive bond between
human beings and other living systems.
• Park designs should facilitate this
connection
BIOPHILIA

30. Improves individual and community health,
environmental conditions (people become stewards
for the environment), and cultural identity
(reinforces past and present ties to the land)
STRATEGIES
BIOPHILIA

31. • Improves test scores
• Restores blood flow & brain activity after
mental stress
• Improves self-esteem
• Reduces anxiety
• ADHD symptom Reduction
• Restores Attention
STRATEGIES
SPENDINGTIME
I N N AT U R A L
ENVIRONMENTS

32. AN INTERGENERATIONAL COMMUNITY
IS ONE POPULATED BY MULTIPLE
GENERATIONS AND MAY HAVE AMENITIES,
AREAS, AND SERVICES DESIGNATED FOR
SPECIFIC GENERATIONS OR FACILITATE
INTERGENERATIONAL INTERACTIONS.
- U r b a n L a n d I n s t i t u t e
MULTI-GENERATIONALISM /
INTERGENERATIONALISM
STRATEGIES

33. MULTI-GENERATIONALISM /
INTERGENERATIONALISM
STRATEGIES
Design and staff parks to foster
intergenerational interaction, and the
improved health outcomes that come with it.

34. STRATEGIES
• Trails and Sidewalks for Walking
• Community Gardens
• Multi-Purpose Fields
• Dog Parks
• Picnic Areas
• Fishing Ponds
• Natural Education Areas
MULTI-GENERATIONALISM /
INTERGENERATIONALISM

35. STRATEGIES
“OLDER ADULTS CAN DECREASE THEIR
RISK OF DISABILITY AND INCREASE
THEIR LIKELIHOOD OF MAINTAINING
INDEPENDENCE BY 41 PERCENT BY
PARTICIPATING IN A WALKING EXERCISE
PROGRAM, ACCORDING TO A UNIVERSITY
OF GEORGIA STUDY.”
- J o u r n a l o f G e r i a t r i c P h y s i c a l
T h e r a p y , U n i v e r s i t y o f G e o r g i a
MULTI-GENERATIONALISM /
INTERGENERATIONALISM

36. “DESPITE EVIDENCE TO THE CONTRARY,
AMERICANS DO NOT FEEL LIKE THE UNITED
STATES IS BECOMING A SAFER PLACE.“
- T h e C h a p m a n U n i v e r s i t y S u r v e y
o n A m e r i c a n F e a r s
CRIME PREVENTION THROUGH
ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN (CPTED)
STRATEGIES

37. CRIME PREVENTION THROUGH
ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN (CPTED)
STRATEGIES
• Address Public Perception of Park Safety with
Unobtrusive Design
• Natural Surveillance-Increase Visibility
• Natural Access Control-Define Property and
Control Circulation

38. CRIME PREVENTION THROUGH
ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN (CPTED)
STRATEGIES
• Territorial Reinforcement- Define Spaces &
Create Ownership
• Maintenance- Foster a Positive Image
& Reduce Fear

39. WITH MORE CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT
IN THEIR DESIGN, MAINTENANCE,
PROGRAMMING AND USE, CITY PARKS
CAN ACHIEVE THEIR TRUE POTENTIAL AS
THE CENTERS OF THEIR COMMUNITIES.
- P r o j e c t f o r P u b l i c S p a c e s
CONNECTIVITY +
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
STRATEGIES
Public involvement in park design can result in
context and culturally responsive solutions, bring
community members together, improve political
conditions, and establish emotional connections to
the facility.

40. Continued public involvement in programming,
safety monitoring and maintenance can reinforce
feelings of community and altruism.
CONNECTIVITY +
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
STRATEGIES

41. A viable option for creating and renovating public
spaces to further community and economic
development goals - when it is just not getting
done.
PUBLIC + PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS
STRATEGIES

42. WHEN PEOPLE SAY THAT THEIR
NEIGHBORHOOD LACKS A SENSE OF
COMMUNITY, THIS IS WHAT THEY MEAN.
THEY FEEL THAT THERE IS NO WAY
FOR THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN THEIR
PUBLIC REALM, WHETHER AS USERS,
AS VOLUNTEERS,OR AS FINANCIAL
PARTNERS.
- P r o j e c t f o r P u b l i c S p a c e s
PUBLIC + PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS
STRATEGIES

43. • Identify/create the private partner entity
• Establish a formal partnership policy:
(Intent, key duties, best practices, renewal date)
• Establish ground rules on funding:
(Commitment of public funds and use of private funds)
• Establish a policy for public participation and
oversight
• Require accountability with metrics and
transparency
PUBLIC + PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS
STRATEGIES

44. DEVELOPINGCOMMUNITY
SPECIFICSOLUTIONS
WHAT IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST HEALTH
AND WELLNESS ISSUES IN YOUR
COMMUNITY THAT YOU CAN ADDRESS
WITH PARK DESIGN AND OPERATIONS?
Issue One
Strategies
Solution /
Plan
Implementation Policy
Project Operations
Fundraising
PartnersPublic
CASE STUDY: CNM, ABQ NM
SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE
LEADING TO OBESITY

45. DEVELOPINGCOMMUNITY
SPECIFICSOLUTIONS
NAME THREE STRATEGIES, ACTIONS
OR SOLUTIONS THAT WILL POSITIVELY
ADDRESS THE ISSUE.
CASE STUDY: CNM, ABQ NM
CREATE A WELLNESS PATH FOR STUDENTS,
FACULTY, STAFF AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC
Issue One
Strategies
Solution /
Plan
Implementation Policy
Project Operations
Fundraising
PartnersPublic

46. DEVELOPINGCOMMUNITY
SPECIFICSOLUTIONS
WHO CAN YOU PARTNER WITH
INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF YOUR
COMMUNITY TO HELP MAKE
THIS HAPPEN?
INTELLECTUAL
WELLNESS STATION
WELLNESS PATH&
TECH LOOP
CUSTOM SHADE STRUCTURE
DIRECTS WATER INTO PLANTER
DESIGN
CASE STUDY: CNM, ABQ NM
WELLNESS STATION SPONSORSHIPS
Issue One
Strategies
Solution /
Plan
Implementation Policy
Project Operations
Fundraising
PartnersPublic

47. DEVELOPINGCOMMUNITY
SPECIFICSOLUTIONS
CAN THE PUBLIC BE
INVOLVED IN THIS PROCESS
AND BRING LONG TERM
VALUE TO THE SOLUTION?
CASE STUDY: CNM, ABQ NM
STEERING COMMITTEE- LEADERSHIP,
FACULTY, STAFF AND STUDENTS
Issue One
Strategies
Solution /
Plan
Implementation Policy
Project Operations
Fundraising
PartnersPublic

48. SUPPORT
SERVICES/PHYSICAL
PLANT
KEN CHAPPY HALL
STUDENT
RESOURCE CENTER
SCIENCE
LABORATORY
BUILDING
TED CHAVEZ HALL
JS
STUDENT SERVICES
CENTER
MAX SALAZAR
HALL
UNIVERSITYBOULEVARDSE
COAL AVENUE SE
TED CHAVEZ HALL
INTELLECTUAL
EMOTIONAL
PHYSICAL
OCCUPATIONAL
WELLNESS
STATIONS
WELLNESS PATH
&
TECH LOOP
INTENT
The intent of the wellness path is to provide a safe,
attractive, convenient campus wellness amenity
in a manner that is efficient and well coordinated.
The wellness path has the potential for benefiting
all members of the CNM community by providing
easy, convenient access to a safe, attractive path that
is designed to be used for recreation, fitness and
wellness,aswellasforimprovedcampusconnectivity.
THEMATIC FEATURES
• distance markers along the trail
• themed stations located along the path that are
designed around one dimension of wellness:
intellectual,occupational,environmental,emotional
• signage is located at each station, and exercise
suggestions and tips related to station specific
dimensions of wellness
• plant selections at each station are made based on
their symbolism to specific dimension of wellness
• furnishings include a shade structure, lounge chairs,
picnic table, and seat walls
• music making equipment is included at each of the
four stations
• landscaping is included at strategic locations along
th to provide shade, improve the appearance
help connectWellness Path
BIKE ROUTE MARKER
WHAT IS YOUR PLAN?
DEVELOPINGCOMMUNITY
SPECIFICSOLUTIONS
Issue One
Strategies
Solution /
Plan
Implementation Policy
Project Operations
Fundraising
PartnersPublic

49. You
THANK

50. REFERENCES
“Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design.” National Crime Prevention Council. Accessed October 2015. http://www.ncpc.org.
Grahn, Patrick and Ulrikia a. Stigsdotter. “Landscape planning and stress.” Urban Forestry and Urban Greening 2 (2003): 1-18.
“LEED.” United States Green Building Council. Accessed October 2015. http://www.usgbc.org/leed.
Project for Public Spaces. Accessed October 2015. http://www.pps.org.
“Role of Parks and Recreation on Health and Wellness.” National Recreation and Parks Association. Accessed October 2015. http://www.nrpa.org/About-NRPA/
Position-Statements/Role-of-Parks-and-Recreation-on-Health-and-Wellness.
San Francisco Department of the Environment. “Pest Management for City Departments.” Accessed October 2015. http://www.sfenvironment.org/article/city-
staff/pest-management.
State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Compliance & Enforcement. “New Jersey School Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program. Last
modified September 18, 2015. http://www.nj.gov/dep/enforcement/pcp/pcp-ipm.htm.
Sustainable Sites Initiative. Accessed October 2015. http://www.sustainablesites.org.
“Technical Factsheet on: Glyphosate.” Environmental Protection Agency. Accessed October 2015. http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/basicinformation/
historical/upload/Archived-Technical-Fact-Sheet-on-Glyphosate.pdf.
“The WELL Building Standard.” International WELL Building Institute. Accessed October 2015. http://www.wellcertified.com/.
Urban Land Institute. Accessed October 2015. http://www.uli.org.