The art of getting more people to go to parks

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Sometimes, the art of getting more people to visit a park, comes down to artwork

We are instinctively attracted to green space. I guess you could say, it’s human nature.

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And certainly there’s no shortage of studies linked to the physical and psychological benefits of spending time in public parks.

As Lisa Nisbet, PhD, a psychologist at Trent University  observes, “you can boost your mood just by walking in nature, even in urban nature.”

But unless we have regular habits such as walking, running or other outdoor activities, the idea of visiting a park may be appealing but we may not always prioritize going there.

Obstacles that discourage us from visiting parks can range from being time stressed between work and family commitments to the fact that the park isn’t all that local, making getting there a challenge.

Despite such hurdles, according to a 2023 survey by Park People, 51 per  cent of Canadians would like to spend more time in parks than they currently do.

So above and beyond the natural attraction that awaits, what can community leaders do to tip the scale in favour of visiting parks?

As I discovered on a recent visit to Artpark in Lewiston, New York near where we live, sometimes the art of getting more people to visit a park comes down to art – or more accurately – arts and culture.

Celebrating its 50^th anniversary this year, Artpark as its name suggests, showcases various works of art in a parklike setting. Perhaps not quite to the same extent as Griffis Sculpture park, a bit more than an hour down the road, it nonetheless offers a unique mix of onsite installations that visitors can explore for free on the 150 acre site.

Physical works include: “Niagara 1979 by Gene Davis,” comprised of 60 two by 364 foot lines rolled in nine different colours, which at 43,000 sq. ft., is billed as the world’s largest painting; and, “Emerald Grove” an interactive mix of bridges, windmills, pod-like huts and a sundial which has proven to be a strong draw for kids and adults alike.

For those of us who have visited Artpark, it is arguably best known as an attractive outdoor venue for headline music acts. To the park’s credit, the amphitheatre offers not only reserved seating options which as per usual, cost more as you get closer to the stage; but also more affordable general seating on grass areas, not unlike what Ontario Place used to do.

While these concerts provide an obvious incentive to visit the park, the reality is that not everyone can afford to go to such events, at least not on a regular basis.

To Artpark’s credit, they’ve also taken everyday citizens – many of whom are cash strapped into consideration and have come up with ways to incent even more people to visit the park for free (including parking as we discovered) and enjoy a variety of activities and shows.

As shared on their website, “Summer is for Families in Artpark” and with that motto in mind, every week over a four-week period they host what is known as “Free Family Saturdays” arts and crafts workshops which are tied to such themes as “the Art of Weather” and “the Art of Plants.”

Many years back, our very first experience at Artpark was to visit the main stage to see a modern jazz dance company perform and as we were just starting out, we opted for the grass seats. And recently when we returned it was to see the talented John Leher Dance Company out of New York perform.

Only this time, the show wasn’t on the main stage, but a smaller one nestled amongst a cluster of shade trees (which was more than welcome with it being a hot summer day).

And while the calibre of the production was world class, the cost was even more remarkable in that admission was free, as was parking for the show.

Arguably the highlight of that performance came at the end when the dance troupe in collaboration with the local organization Parkinson’s Community staged its final act with amateur participants as a way to empower and engage those individuals.

It was at once both emotional and inspiring to witness such a performance while reinforcing the fact that if we want to attract more people to parks, one way to do that, as Artpark continues to demonstrate year in year out, is to take a more creative approach.

Mark Wessel lives in Ridgeway, Ont. and is a passionate advocate for living more sustainably at home and in the greater community. Visit www.markdouglaswessel.com