More than nine in ten Dubliners say visiting parks in the capital helped improve their physical and mental health during covid lockdowns.
A survey of over 2,200 residents found there was a significant increase in park usage, particularly during the working week. The research was carried out by Dublin City University and Dublin City Council.
The lack of toilets was cited as the number one issue affecting park usage, followed by overcrowding and dog fouling.
Even though people were using the park to exercise, very few respondents mentioned using the exercise equipment available.
The two most common reasons respondents cited for visiting parks was for ‘walking’ and to improve their ‘health and wellbeing’, with 9 in 10 agreeing the park helped to improve their physical and mental health.
The importance of urban parks for socialising safely during the lockdown was also highlighted. Meeting friends and family helped reduce feelings of isolation and parks were viewed as a safe space where social distancing could be maintained.
For people living alone or widowed, the park gave them an opportunity to reduce loneliness and interact with others.
Dr Marcos Dias, Assistant Professor, DCU School of Communications:
"Parks have always been an essential asset in urban spaces across the world, but their added value has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, as they became the de-facto place for socialising, relaxing and remaining active."
The top four parks visited in the DCC catchment area were Saint Anne’s Park, Bushy Park, Griffith Park and Albert College Park.
