The impact of green infrastructure on human health and well-being: The example of the Huckleberry Trail and the Heritage Community Park and Natural Area in Blacksburg, Virginia

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine if human health and well-being benefits can be attributed to green infrastructure projects. This study identifies and quantifies the health and well-being effects of two different types of green infrastructure: the Huckleberry Trail and Heritage Community Park and Natural Area, both located in Blacksburg, Virginia. To identify possible relationships between different types of green infrastructure and obesity (BMI), physical activity, psychological benefits, place attachment, and safety benefits, a survey of citizen attitudes and perceptions was undertaken. The results indicate that the higher visitor frequency and closer distance from home to the green infrastructure results in positive psychological benefits and place attachment. There was a positive relationship between level of physical activity that people engage in and the distance to the green infrastructure site and physical health and place attachment. In terms of gender, females were found to have higher physical health benefits and males reported higher psychological benefits. The higher place attachment was reported for the Huckleberry Trail. The results of the study can be used to justify investment in green infrastructure projects and insights into the types of activities that can be provided by landscape architects who design green infrastructure projects.