Planning parks for adolescent mental health and wellbeing in Melbourne, Australia: bridging the gap between intent and practice

Source abstract

Urban parks can support mental health and wellbeing by promoting stress recovery, social interaction and connection to nature. The youth mental health crisis presents a timely opportunity to understand if and how park planners prioritise adolescent mental health and wellbeing outcomes. The author surveyed open space planners working in local government in Melbourne, Australia (n = 49). Respondents rated the extent to which they thought parks catered for the wellbeing needs of older adolescents (16–19 years), and whether they planned these spaces to meet these needs. The author also conducted interviews with planners (n = 14), analysed 31 open space strategies and made field observations (n = 45). According to planners, Melbourne parks do not cater well to older adolescents’ mental health and wellbeing needs, especially those of girls and young women. Reasons stated include a history of privileging male sport, restrictive standards and policies, and conflicts with operational and financial drivers of park design. Planners reported an increased awareness of adolescents’ mental wellbeing needs but they work in complex and challenging environments that inhibit their capacity to match intent with practice. To ensure parks are equitable health resources, planners must challenge existing practices and discourses and use targeted engagement approaches to empower adolescents to participate.