Today in our environmental science lecture, we're discussing urban green spaces. While many assume parks mainly improve air quality, recent studies highlight their role in mental health. A 2021 survey in Melbourne found that residents living within 500 meters of a park reported 20% lower stress levels. Interestingly, the size of the park mattered less than its accessibility. Small pocket parks with benches and walking paths had a stronger positive effect than large, distant reserves. So, city planners should prioritize creating smaller, well-connected green areas in dense neighborhoods, rather than focusing solely on large parks on the outskirts.