Policy Brief – February 2024: Using wayfinding to increase access to public parks

Declan Ryan

Policy Brief – February 2024: Using wayfinding to increase access to public parks

Declan Ryan

Research output: Book/Report › Technical Report

Abstract

There is an increasing evidence base for the potential health benefits of using urban greenspace. However, urban dwellers regularly report having limited contact with greenspaces, and thus, limited access to the potential health and wellbeing benefits of such spaces.

Lack of knowledge about routes has been cited as a barrier to recreational walking in greenspace.

This policy brief brings together our local evidence from Northamptonshire, which explores visitors' views of, wants and needs for, and engagement with a wayfinding intervention to promote use of urban greenspace.

Original language	English
Publisher	University of Northampton
Number of pages	2
Publication status	Published - 13 Feb 2024

Bibliographical note

This policy brief summarises our local research about wayfinding within urban greenspaces to aid equitable access. This brief was circulated to local council officers and clerks on 13/02/2024.

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

Access to Document

Ryan_2024_Policy_Brief_–_February_2024_Using_wayfinding_to_increase_access_to_public_parksFinal published version, 303 KBLicence: CC BY-NC

1 Industry Engagement
1 Seminar/Workshop
1 Exhibition

Cafe Scientifique: Let’s go to the park – why greenspaces are important for Northampton’s residents.
Ryan, D. (Invited speaker)
18 Sept 2025
Activity: Academic Talks or Presentations › Seminar/Workshop › Knowledge Exchange

File
Northamptonshire Day Exhibition hosted by Mike Reader MP at the Houses of Parliament
Ryan, D. (Consultant)
24 Oct 2025
Activity: Other Knowledge Exchange or Research Activity › Industry Engagement › Knowledge Exchange
Climate Action West Northants
Ryan, D. (Academic)
18 Jul 2014
Activity: Public Engagement and Outreach › Exhibition › Research

Cite this

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title = "Policy Brief – February 2024: Using wayfinding to increase access to public parks",

abstract = "There is an increasing evidence base for the potential health benefits of using urban greenspace. However, urban dwellers regularly report having limited contact with greenspaces, and thus, limited access to the potential health and wellbeing benefits of such spaces. Lack of knowledge about routes has been cited as a barrier to recreational walking in greenspace. This policy brief brings together our local evidence from Northamptonshire, which explores visitors' views of, wants and needs for, and engagement with a wayfinding intervention to promote use of urban greenspace.",

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AB - There is an increasing evidence base for the potential health benefits of using urban greenspace. However, urban dwellers regularly report having limited contact with greenspaces, and thus, limited access to the potential health and wellbeing benefits of such spaces. Lack of knowledge about routes has been cited as a barrier to recreational walking in greenspace. This policy brief brings together our local evidence from Northamptonshire, which explores visitors' views of, wants and needs for, and engagement with a wayfinding intervention to promote use of urban greenspace.

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BT - Policy Brief – February 2024: Using wayfinding to increase access to public parks

PB - University of Northampton

ER -

Policy Brief – February 2024: Using wayfinding to increase access to public parks

Abstract

Bibliographical note

UN SDGs

Access to Document

Fingerprint

Activities

Cafe Scientifique: Let’s go to the park – why greenspaces are important for Northampton’s residents.

Northamptonshire Day Exhibition hosted by Mike Reader MP at the Houses of Parliament

Climate Action West Northants

Cite this