Today we're going to discuss the impact of urban green spaces on mental health. A recent study followed 1,000 adults over five years. Participants who lived within 300 meters of a park or garden reported 20% lower stress levels. Interestingly, the effect was stronger for those who actively visited the green space at least once a week, compared to those who just lived nearby. The study also found that community gardens had a greater social benefit than large parks, as they encouraged more interaction among neighbors. However, the researchers noted that access alone isn't enough; safety and maintenance were key factors in whether people actually used these spaces.