#ParksMatter City parks as spaces for recovery and support

As part of the information and communication campaign of the project “City Parks Matter - a new approach to urban green space management in Ivano-Frankivsk and Rzeszów (ParksMatter)”, implemented within the Interreg NEXT Poland – Ukraine 2021–2027 Programme, we highlight why city parks are more important today than ever before.

War changes priorities, but it does not cancel people’s basic needs – safety, calmness, and a place to rest. This is why city parks are becoming more than just spaces for leisure; they are real points of support for society. These are places where people can restore their energy, reconnect with nature, and step away, even for a short time, from the stress of everyday challenges.

Green spaces help reduce stress and anxiety, giving people the opportunity to feel a sense of stability and a return to normal life. Studies show that regular time spent in nature can help reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is especially important for internally displaced persons, military personnel, and everyone who has experienced the hardships of war. In cities such as Warsaw and Lviv, special therapeutic zones are already being created in parks where psychological rehabilitation and support activities take place.

During wartime, parks also become places for meetings, interaction, and mutual support. They can host rehabilitation activities, charity initiatives, cultural events, and activities for children affected by the war. In some European cities, parks are used as spaces for the integration of displaced people: language clubs, educational initiatives, and volunteer centres are organized there to help people adapt to new communities.

Despite today’s challenges, it is important to think about the future recovery of cities. Parks are not a luxury but a strategic part of urban infrastructure that ensures environmental sustainability and improves the quality of life of residents. In many cities after conflicts, urban parks have become symbols of recovery and a return to normal life.

The project ‘City Parks Matter - a new approach to urban green space management in Ivano-Frankivsk and Rzeszów (ParksMatter)’ is implemented within the framework of the Interreg Next Poland-Ukraine 2021-2027 programme. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of its authors and can in no way be taken to reflect the position of the European Union.

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