By Clr Tania Salitra
The World Health Organisation says there’s no single public health action that gives society as much benefit as natural greenspace does – for our physical and mental well-being, social interaction and preventing loneliness, for connection to nature and protecting the environment that we rely on to survive.
It’s wonderful to see the photos of Galston residents enjoying the open greenspace at the old pony club site on Johnson Rd, that have been sent in to Councillors. Dogs bounding around off-leash, residents of all ages exercising, family picnics, and kids riding bikes, flying planes, hoola-hooping; it really is the perfect place for local families to enjoy being outdoors in the sunshine with their off-leash four-legged friends.
Each time I stop by, there’s always people walking laps or throwing the ball for their dogs – they tell me the park is a vital social hub that glues their community together. It seems unusually well-frequented compared to other parks at the same time of day, despite having been told otherwise.
With growing pressures from the housing crisis and increasing population, what open greenspace we have left is becoming even more precious. It’s priceless because it’s simply irreplaceable.
The United Nation’s first-ever International Day of Play on 11th June this year is a timely reminder that we all need unstructured recreation in our lives.
Council’s investment in natural open greenspace is the single greatest act it can make to proactively preserve resident’s health and well-being. As this term draws to an end, I really hope the new Council appreciates how much this open space is needed and used by residents.
