Much of the focus in the Ogden land debate is centered on youth soccer, which promotes physical fitness, teamwork, confidence, and belonging for children and their families. While this is significant, the use of these spaces is vast enough to benefit EVERY member of our society, regardless of age, race, politics, gender, disability, nationality, faith, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.

These spaces promote societal health and cohesion by providing a place for ALL of us to disconnect from our screens and make meaningful connections with nature, each other, and ourselves. These connections can boost serotonin levels and our parasympathetic nervous systems, both of which promote relaxation, and decrease overly active sympathetic nervous systems, associated with fight or flight responses and chronic stress.

On an individual level, numerous studies show that access to ample green spaces can decrease rates of violent crime among youth, obesity, pregnancy complications, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, depression, heart disease, fatigue, and completed suicides. These conditions have repercussions not only on our quality of life, but also on the budgets of individuals, households, and our state. Nearly a half million Utahans are covered by Medicaid/CHIP, which means that health promotion strategies such as increased access to parks, can save money in the long run, at every level.

Whether looking at green spaces as a form of environmental justice, a spot to cheer on kiddos chasing a ball, a great location for a picnic, a place to walk your dog, or an ideal setting for a stroll, maintaining and enhancing these spaces is in the best interest of each of us and our society.

Dr. Kathleen Paco Cadman

Ogden