Grönområden för fler - Statens folkhälsoinstitut

Accessible green open spaces can make it possible to maintain and develop
what works through physical activity, because many disabilities mean
that one cannot exercise in the same way as others. It being possible to
move about independently and safely in the environment is a given. This
can be achieved, for example, through even, firm surfaces, it being possible
to avoid stairs, steep inclines, narrow passages, there being spacious toilettes,
adapted railing and lighting, etc.
Socio-economically weak groups and those with foreign backgrounds
use green open spaces to a lesser extent than other groups. Among these
groups, the degree of physical activity is also lower and poor health is
also more widely spread. They also do not have as much access to holiday
cottages or their own gardens as other groups, which results in fewer chances
of spending time in green environments. To attract broad groups of the
population, investments can be made on walking paths with natural destinations,
places for grilling, meeting places, places to fish and their nearby
environments as well as land for picking berries and mushrooms. Clear
and translated information about the common right of access to private
land, etc. is also important to reach people with another mother tongue.
A checklist with a guide is presented that can be an aid in identifying the
various qualities of the green open spaces and in ensuring that the various
groups of the population’s needs are met. This can, for example, be used
upon development pressure and in needs inventories as well as in the development
of existing green open spaces.
Proximity is significant – the closer, the more likely regular use is. People
are prepared to regularly walk approximately 300 metres to a green open
space. In one GIS section, proposals are given of how to map what population
groups, in terms of age, gender, income and level of education, live
within different distances from the green open spaces. A mapping proposal
is also included of educational and care institutions, for young and old,
in the local area that can be expected to be interested in using the spaces
for educational purposes and/or for recreation. This section also includes
a method outline of how to obtain an overall illustration of how large a
part of the urban population lives further than 300 metres from the closest
green open space.
Summary 9