Do urban green spaces encourage year-round sports, even in bad weather?
Living in the city exposes people to health risks such as pollution, stress, and lack of physical activity. However, exercising in nature, known as green exercise, helps reduce these negative effects. This form of activity improves mood, strengthens social bonds, and boosts productivity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, urban parks and forests played a key role by allowing city dwellers to stay active despite restrictions. Today, these spaces remain essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially in winter or during bad weather, when physical activity often decreases.
A recent study examined the characteristics of urban green spaces that encourage their use year-round, even when it rains, snows, or is very cold. The results show that accessibility is the most important criterion for users. Being able to reach a park on foot, by bike, or by public transport in less than 15 minutes encourages more regular visits. Unpaved paths, varied surfaces, and areas alternating between open and wooded spaces are also highly appreciated. On the other hand, covered facilities or changing rooms are considered less useful, except for team sports or outdoor weight training.
In terms of nature, natural sounds and smells, forests, and the presence of wildlife particularly attract visitors. Native plants are preferred over exotic species because they support biodiversity and create a more soothing environment. Study participants even stated they would be willing to pay an average of 10 euros per month for better-designed green spaces, proving their attachment to these places.
These preferences vary depending on the sport. Runners prefer clear, well-lit trails, while strength training enthusiasts seek non-slip surfaces. Despite these differences, everyone agrees on one point: well-designed green spaces help people stay active in all seasons. This is crucial, as staying active even in cold or wet weather improves both physical and mental health, while breaking the monotony of daily life.
Investing in adapted urban parks could therefore reduce public health costs while making cities more pleasant to live in. The challenge now is to integrate these elements into the design of green spaces so that they meet everyone’s needs, summer and winter alike.
Source Credits
Primary Source
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12662-026-01101-z
Title: Transforming urban landscapes: characteristics of urban green spaces for year-round green exercise in Germany
Journal: German Journal of Exercise and Sport Research
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Authors: Konrad Reuß; Christopher Huth