Better Understanding of Naturalized Green Spaces
Green spaces in new neighbourhoods (subdivisions) have continued to evolve over the past decades as themes related to sustainability and environmental considerations take on a more important role.
Green Space starts Good Planning Principles
The Saskatchewan Government’s Planning and Development Act requires 10% of the land in new neighbourhood’s be dedicated for green spaces as part of the overall design. These Green Spaces may be allocated for parks, playgrounds, walking trails, sport fields, dog parks, environmental reserves, and public reserves (municipal reserve). The determination of how these Green Space are utilized is dependent on the needs and preferences the City of Regina determines.
Ensuring 10% Green Space in a new neighbourhood is a very good and widely accepted planning principle and has been part of the Provincial Planning & Development Act for more than a 100 years.
Regina Has Been a Leader in Greenspace
Maybe it is because of our humble prairie beginnings that Regina has valued park space so much. 830 hectares of park space and 120km of pathways managed by the City of Regina and another 930 hectares managed by the Provincial Capital Commission wrapped around Wascana Lake. This translates into Regina having a wealth of Green Spaces with the highest amount of managed park space per capita of any municipality in Canada. Regina is also recognized as one of the original ‘Tree Cities of the World’ (Regina contains over 2 trees per person). The benefits of this green infrastructure to our community are exceptional.
Managed Park Space compared to Naturalized Green Space
Preferences for Managed Park Space and Natural Green Space may vary amongst individuals and communities. There are good reasons many citizens may have a preference towards managed park spaces:
- Accessibility and Amenities:
Managed parks often provide enhanced accessibility and amenities. With paved pathways, designated picnic areas, playgrounds, restrooms, and other facilities that make them more user-friendly for people of all ages and abilities. These amenities can enhance the overall park experience and attract individuals who value convenience and comfort.
- Organized Events and Activities:
Managed parks have the ability to be gathering places, host organized events, recreational activities, and programs for the community. They also include sports and educational opportunities, maybe even the occasional concert. The availability of such events and activities can attract citizens who enjoy structured programming and social engagement opportunities within these type of park environments and Regina has a lot of managed park space.
It is important to also recognize that Natural Green Space also hold significant value, providing opportunities for solitude, unaltered wilderness, and biodiversity conservation.
Sustainability and Environmental Considerations: With a stronger focus on sustainable development and environmental conservation, new neighbourhood’s are increasing using native plants, water-efficient landscaping and the integration of stormwater management systems to provide a better overall outcome for the community and people, animals and plants species that inhabit the commuity.
Benefits of Naturalized Greenspaces
Developing the right Naturalized Green Spaces requires knowledge and experience to create these natural and sustainable landscapes. Conservation, sound science research, habitat management and natural process all play a part in creating this exceptional return on investment such as:
- Improved Biodiversity:
Naturalization allows for the establishment of diverse plant and animal communities, which can support local wildlife populations, including birds, butterflies, and other pollinators. This can help to increase biodiversity in urban areas, which is important for maintaining healthy ecosystems.
- Reduced Maintenance:
Naturalized greenspaces require less maintenance than traditional lawns and gardens, as they are self-sustaining and do not require frequent watering, mowing, or fertilizing. This can save time and money, as well as reduce the use of harmful chemicals.
- Improved Stormwater Management:
Naturalized Green Spaces can help to absorb and filter stormwater runoff, reducing the risk of flooding and improving water quality in our local streams and creeks. This is particularly important in our urban area where impervious surfaces like pavement and concrete prevent water from soaking into the ground.
- Aesthetic Appeal:
Naturalized Green Spaces can be just as visually appealing as traditional lawns and gardens, with a diverse array of plant species and colours. They also provide a more natural and tranquil setting for residents to enjoy.
Green Spaces are Components of Regina’s Infrastructure
Managed Parks and Natural Green Spaces are essential components of Regina’s infrastructure, contributing to the overall well-being, livability, and sustainability of urban area. Here’s how they are part of cities’ infrastructure:
- Recreation and Leisure:
Managed parks and natural green spaces serve as recreational hubs within cities, providing opportunities for physical activity, leisure, and relaxation. They offer spaces for walking, jogging, cycling, picnicking, playing sports, and engaging in various outdoor activities. These recreational opportunities promote active lifestyles, improve mental and physical health, and enhance the quality of life for residents.
- Social Interaction and Community Building:
Parks and green spaces act as gathering places for communities, fostering social interaction, community engagement, and cultural exchange. They provide settings for social events, festivals, concerts, and organized activities that bring people together. These spaces encourage social cohesion, create a sense of belonging, and strengthen community bonds, contributing to a vibrant and connected city life.
- Environmental Benefits:
Natural Green Spaces play a crucial role in the urban ecosystem. They enhance air quality by filtering pollutants, absorb carbon dioxide, and release oxygen. Green spaces also mitigate the urban heat island effect by providing shade and cooling effects. Moreover, they support biodiversity, serve as habitats for wildlife, and contribute to ecological balance within the city.
- Stormwater Management:
Managed parks and natural green spaces are designed to incorporate sustainable stormwater management techniques. They include features like rain gardens, bioswales, and retention ponds, which help capture and filter stormwater runoff. These features reduce the burden on urban drainage systems, mitigate flooding risks, and improve water quality by removing pollutants before they reach water bodies.
- Urban Heat Island Mitigation:
Concrete and asphalt surfaces absorb and radiate heat, creating urban heat islands (areas with higher temperatures). Natural green spaces and parks help counteract this effect by providing shade, evapotranspiration, and cooler microclimates. Trees, in particular, contribute significantly to reducing the urban heat island effect by providing shade and evaporative cooling.
- Aesthetics and Urban Beautification:
Well-designed Managed Parks and Natural Green Spaces enhance the aesthetic appeal of cities, creating visually pleasing environments. They contribute to urban beautification by incorporating landscaping, natural plants adm trees belong in our that , flower beds, and public art installations. These elements improve the overall visual quality of urban areas, making them more attractive to residents, visitors, and potential investors.
- Economic Benefits:
Parks and natural green spaces have a positive economic impact. They increase property values, attract tourists and visitors, and support local businesses. Managing and maintain our managed and naturalized park infrastructure also creates jobs like landscaping, maintenance, and park management.
Regina now integrates managed parks and natural green spaces into urban planning and infrastructure development. This supports Regina as a more sustainable, livable, and resilient environment for our residents. These spaces offer numerous social, environmental, and economic benefits, contributing to the overall quality of life and attractiveness of our great City.
Long-Term Maintenance and Preservation: To ensure the continued quality and accessibility of green spaces, ongoing maintenance and preservation efforts are crucial.
Individuals and families play an important role in taking care of the naturalized green spaces in their neighbourhood. Here are some ways you can contribute:
- Awareness and Education:
Take some time to educate yourself about the importance of green spaces, their benefits for the environment and community, and the specific needs of the naturalized areas in your neighborhood. This knowledge can be shared with others to raise awareness and promote responsible behavior.
- Volunteer Efforts:
Participating in volunteer activities is an excellent way to contribute to the maintenance and conservation of green spaces. This can involve activities such as planting native species, removing invasive plants, cleaning up litter, or maintaining trials and pathways.
- Responsible Use:
It is important for individuals to use naturalized green spaces responsibly. This includes following designated paths, not littering, respecting wildlife and their habitats, and not disturbing or damaging plants and trees. By being mindful of our actions, individuals can help preserve the integrity and ecological balance of the area.
- Report Issues:
Individuals should promptly report any issues they observe in naturalized green spaces, such as vandalism, illegal dumping or the presence of invasive species. In Regina report those items to the Service Regina https://www.regina.ca/about-regina/contact-us/service-request/. Reporting such problems can help address them quickly and prevent further damage.
- Advocacy and Support:
Individuals can advocate for the protection and expansion of naturalized green spaces by participating in local government meetings, supporting relevant policies, and raising awareness about the benefits of such areas.
The collective efforts of individuals and citizens can significantly impact the quality and preservation of naturalized green spaces in their neighborhoods. By working together, residents can help to create a healthier, more sustainable, and more beautiful community.
