Exploring green gentrification in 28 global North cities: the role of urban parks and other types of greenspaces

Abstract

Introduction: Although cities globally are increasingly mobilizing re-naturing projects to address diverse urban socio-environmental and health challenges, there is mounting evidence that these interventions may also be linked to the phenomenon known as green gentrification. However, to date the empirical evidence on the relationship between greenspaces and gentrification regarding associations with different greenspace types remains scarce. Methods: This study focused on 28 mid-sized cities in North America and Western Europe. We assessed improved access to different types of greenspace (i.e. total area of parks, gardens, nature preserves, recreational areas or greenways (i) added before the 2000s or (ii) added before the 2010s) and gentrification processes (including (i) gentrification for the 2000s; (ii) gentrification for the 2010s; (iii) gentrification throughout the decades of the 2000s and 2010s) in each small geographical unit of each city. To estimate the associations, we developed a Bayesian hierarchical spatial model for each city and gentrification time period (i.e. a maximum of three models per city). Results: Our study reveals that parks – together with other factors such as proximity to the city center – may contribute to gentrification processes, particularly in the US context, except in historically Black disinvested postindustrial cities with lots of vacant land. We also found some indications of newly designated nature preserves being negatively associated with gentrification processes, particularly when considering gentrification throughout the 2000s and the 2010s and in the US. Meanwhile, for new gardens, recreational spaces and greenways, our research shows mixed results. Conclusions: Considering the environmental and health benefits of urban re-naturing projects, cities should keep investing in improving park access while simultaneously implementing anti-displacement and inclusive green policies.

Spatial Analysis of Greenspace and Mental Health in North Carolina

“…Despite this observed relationship, low-income, minoritized, and socially marginalized communities often have far less access to this low-cost health intervention 9,10. Furthermore, greenspace development in these priority areas can often lead to gentrification, meaning low-income, minoritized, and socially marginalized people continue to have less access to greenspaces 13,14…”

“…9,10 Furthermore, greenspace development in these priority areas can often lead to gentrification, meaning low-income, minoritized, and socially marginalized people continue to have less access to greenspaces. 13,14 Four main pathways have been identified through which greenspace benefits mental health: stress reduction, social cohesion, pollution reduction, and outdoor recreation. 15,16 Stress reduction occurs because of the restorative properties of nature, such as breathing fresh air or intentionally taking time to relax, which may be achieved in public and private greenspaces.…”

Advancing Understanding on Greenspace and Mental Health in Young People

“…Studies have shown greenspace development is not equitable; such that primarily white and primarily high income communities (Mears & Brindley, 2019 ) and cities (Rigolon et al., 2018 ) often have the best access to ample, high quality greenspaces. In the past, greenspace developments in minority neighborhoods have often led to gentrification (Kim & Wu, 2022 ; Triguero‐Mas et al., 2022 ); with the most affluent benefiting from increased greenspaces; while minority residents and low‐income residents face social exclusion and rising housing costs (Cole et al., 2019 ). Future greenspace interventions need to ensure the development of greenspaces that serve all community members, without leading to displacement and gentrification.…”

Advancing Understanding on Greenspace and Mental Health in Young People

“…Research indicates that greenspace development is not equitable; with primarily white and primarily high income communities 68 and cities 69 often seeing the greatest quantity, accessibility and/or quality of public greenspaces. Historically, development of greenspaces in minority neighborhoods has often led to gentri cation 70,71 . Furthermore, some research cautions that in gentrifying neighborhoods, greenspace bene ts the most a uent and may result in social exclusion for low-income and minority residents 72 .…”