In recent years there has been an occurring debate regarding the topic of parks and their efficiency. Considering the growing population, politics as well as citizens, ponder a question: wouldn’t it be more reasonable to provide some areas for housing, rather than for parks? Personally, I believe that green areas, especially in big cities play a vital role, and cannot be replaced. While my perspective has its merits, it is essential to acknowledge both advantages and disadvantages of this dilemma.
One major advantage of parks in urban areas is that woods decrease the level of pollution, clean the air and provide some thermoregulation, which is crucial for cities with high traffic and industry. Another notable benefit of green zones is that it could be a perfect place for kids to play there, hide from the heat and have a breath of fresh air. One cannot deny that in megapolicies occurs a huge problem, which is the lack of playgrounds and rural areas, where children can spend their leisure. Parks can be a solution for both these dilemmas. It is also important to mention that gardens or parks in industrialised cities are a shelter for a lot of animal species, which are in danger of disappearing. And that is their only option to find a balance between a city life and nature habitat.
However, one cannot ignore the drawbacks of parks, considering the urgent need to provide more housing and use lands more reasonably. It is also clear that more buildings on the market will provide lower prices on the housing, which is another disadvantage of parks. If you consider affordable housing in sufficient quantity in comparison to green areas, I would say that the choice is remarkable. However, there is a more balanced solution – green buildings. That is a common practice of building in the UK, Canada, North America, and other parts of the world. The idea lies in combining skyscrapers and growing plants on the rooftops. These gardens or even parks on roofs can as well decrease air pollution, provide shelter for animals and insects, and even be a food source.
Overall, while the positives of normal parks and green zones are apparent to me, one should consider that there is a more balanced way, which combines housing and green areas in one solution. Meanwhile, I am of the opinion that parks are a vital and very important part of big cities, which provides us a more healthy way of life.