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Abstract
Associations between parks and mental health have typically been investigated in relation
to the presence or absence of mental illness. This study uses a validated measure
of positive mental health and data from RESIDential Environments (RESIDE) Project
to investigate the association between the presence, amount and attributes of public
green space in new greenfield neighbourhood developments and the mental health of
local residents (n = 492). Both the overall number and total area of public green
spaces were significantly associated with greater mental wellbeing, and findings support
a dose-response relationship. Positive mental health was not only associated with
parks with a nature focus, but also with green spaces characterised by recreational
and sporting activity. The study demonstrates that adequate provision of public green
space in local neighbourhoods and within walking distance is important for positive
mental health.