When researching urban green spaces it is important to keep an eye on the bigger picture and ask how this may benefit different models of cities. Portland is unique in its proximity and attachment to nature, so it is interesting to read studies on how green spaces are perceived in other cities.
A study from 2010 examines the effect that green spaces have on real estate property values in Los Angeles. This study was valuable both because the data was good and because many of their methods could be copied in our own project. For example the researchers used GIS spatial analysis tools to find a relation between property values and location of green spaces. This study looked at green spaces from an economic perspective but still linked it to issues of environmental justice. This is exactly what we are aiming to do in our own work. Adding green spaces to urban areas may reduce air pollution, build a sense of community, and reduce childhood obesity.
The topic of urban green spaces is extremely pertinent to Portland right now because of the housing crisis. The study done in Los Angeles also noted the fact that few people are willing to sacrifice affordable housing for the creation of more open green space. The conclusion they reached was that the most efficient solution was to increase green cover in densely populated areas. They propose that small-scale efforts of ‘community greening’ would increase green spaces, and therefore property values, without requiring any demolition. If this true, creating urban green spaces in depressed areas could bring both environmental and social benefits.