Cascade Asset Management Company’s Post

🎯The Confluence of States, the bipartisan coalition of the 18 state offices of outdoor recreation, formerly operated by four guiding principles, has adopted a fifth pillar. Below are each of the guiding principles under which the coalition and the respective state members operate. 💡 🌿 Conservation & Stewardship 🎓 Education & Workforce Training 🏢 Economic Development 🌼 Public Health & Wellness ☀ Opportunity & Experience (new)

I've been looking into the ways that housing impacts our wellbeing - in particular how buildings and where we live may influence our lives, our physical and mental health, and how we engage with others and feel about them. I love this paper that shows the social value provided by well designed mixed-use buildings. Using a social values framework to explore an Australian case study - U City in the City of Adelaide, an extreme mixed-use, high-rise building hosting retirement living, disability accommodation, services for some of the communities’ most vulnerable groups, commercial tenants, café/retail outlets and corporate conference facilities - the paper shows that public spaces in U City are key to fostering ‘community’—expressed in ways that are dynamic, evolving and inclusive—where the successful generation of community is as much about championing the actors involved as it is about the provision and design of building spaces. As the paper says, it is important to acknowledge that "buildings are not just about beautiful, innovative designs and/or maximising monetary returns on investment—buildings are also about people’s needs, particularly their social needs. Building design influences how we live our lives, who we engage with and how we feel. Personal identity is as much about where we are as it is about the activities and the people we engage with. Good design accompanied by active placemaking measures (the ethos, resources and management) can enable not only pleasant spaces but also better, healthier, more supportive interactions within those spaces that allow communities to thrive." Link in comments. #wellbeing #socialvalue #community #urbandesign #health #physicalhealth #mentalhealth #housing #urbanplanning

Why should planners be mindful of wellbeing? We explore the intersection of the built environment, land use and wellbeing with Elka Gotfryd, an urban planner exploring how planning can heal historical harms. Watch our interview and let us know what connections you see between the built environment and your work. #BuiltEnvironment #LandUse #Wellbeing

Living in a community with shared amenities offers numerous benefits, including: 1. **Enhanced Lifestyle**: Access to facilities like pools, gyms, parks, and sports courts promotes an active and healthy lifestyle. 2. **Social Opportunities**: Shared spaces foster a sense of community, encouraging interactions and friendships among neighbors. 3. **Convenience**: Amenities such as clubhouses and fitness centers are often within walking distance, making it easy to enjoy leisure activities without needing to travel far. 4. **Maintenance-Free Living**: Many communities handle the upkeep of shared amenities, allowing residents to enjoy facilities without the burden of maintenance. 5. **Increased Property Value**: Homes in communities with desirable amenities often see higher property values and attract more potential buyers. 6. **Safety and Security**: Gated communities or those with security features provide an added layer of safety for residents. 7. **Family-Friendly Environment**: Amenities designed for children, such as playgrounds or community events, create a welcoming atmosphere for families. 8. **Shared Costs**: The cost of maintaining amenities is typically shared among residents, making it more affordable than owning similar facilities privately. 9. **Diverse Activities**: Many communities offer organized events and activities, providing residents with opportunities for engagement and recreation. 10. **Sense of Belonging**: Being part of a community with shared interests and amenities fosters a sense of belonging and pride among residents. Overall, living in a community with shared amenities enriches the living experience, making it more enjoyable and fulfilling.

Yesterday I had the privilege of talking with a like minded professional Emily Brook from Care City in the UK. We had a great discussion about social isolation and how service design and place based support can improve outcomes. As improvement folk we both shared our focus on preventative health programs, early health support and capacity building. This morning as part of my morning run, whilst reflecting on our meeting yesterday, I decided to run through a few parks and public spaces outside of health services with the lense of are they helping or hindering people to be outside, in the community and is being active and engaged in our community being made easy by the outside spaces. The pic below, is one example, in a Melbourne inner suburb, of a park with easy access, large pathways, a well maintained park, accessible toilets, a space for Bocce, a pond with ducks to look at, a cafe, a playground and park benches in short distances apart. These features bring people of all ages and mobility levels to this park. I regularly witness multi generational activity. Another example, a hospital, with no seating outside to come out into the fresh air and "just be" outside of the clinical environment (I'm talking patients, family and staff). It resonated with me, we all been in discussions where a design aspect has been dismissed because of "what could go wrong" based on historical assumptions. There are so many benefits to being in public space and creating spaces that encourage people to be out in the fresh air. There are things that keep people from being in public space - simple things such as their fitness and mobility needs require places to sit, guaranteed access to a nearby toilet, water, shade etc. It's my hope that the work that local government is doing in the walkable cities, age friendly cities etc and the work that the health system is doing in human centred design can collectively think about what can be created to support the reduction of isolation, increase people remaining active mentally and physically and increase our connection to nature to increase wellness and health outcomes. I would love to hear successful initiatives that people have seen or implemented that might spark off some great ideas and help advocate for some more public spaces that support bringing people together. Thank you Emily Brook, I look forward to meeting again soon - sharing and collaborating. #improvement #healthcreation #preventativehealth #servicedesign #environmentdesign #supportconnection #reducesocialisolation

Imagine stepping outside your front door and into a world of convenience and connection. ️☀️ #MasterPlannedCommunities offer more than just a place to live—they're about enhancing your quality of life and building a community that thrives together. That's why master-planned communities with thoughtfully designed amenities are more popular than ever. Here's why amenities make all the difference: 🏞️ Quality of Life: Parks, trails, and recreational facilities encourage an active lifestyle and provide spaces for relaxation and connection with nature. 👥 Community Connection: Amenities like clubhouses and community centers offer opportunities for social interaction, helping neighbors become friends and fostering a sense of belonging. 🏊 Family Fun: Playgrounds, pools, splash pads, and game rooms keep the little ones entertained, right outside your door. 🏡 Value Appreciation: Homes in communities with well-maintained amenities often see increased property values, making them a wise investment for the future. ⏰ Time-Saving Convenience: On-site shops, restaurants, and services free up precious time for the things that matter most. 🌍 Sustainability: Prioritizing green spaces and eco-friendly practices, these communities contribute positively to the environment and promote a healthier lifestyle. Explore our latest blog post to learn more about how community amenities enhance everyday living and redefine what it means to call a place home. https://lnkd.in/gNdHp2rk Let's chat in the comments! What amenities are most important to you in a community? #MasterPlannedCommunity #lifestyle #communityliving #amenities #convenience #wellness #connection #BrookfieldResidential #BestPlacesToCallHome

The Economic Impact Report of Parks is out by the National Parks and Recreation Association. From the report: "Local public park and recreation agencies in the United States generated more than $201 billion in economic activity and supported almost 1.1 million jobs that boosted labor income by more than $63 billion from their operations and capital spending in 2021." It also states that there are many benefits that are not accounted for in this report that occurred. These benefits include the health and wellness, conservation and resiliency, property values, external economic development, and visitor spending within the community. Investing in parks and quality of place continues to be found as a strategy that cannot be overlooked. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gBC7aEuM.

Industry Insights | The Benefits of Opening Parks at Night In a day and age where working hours take up so much of our day, it is important that our public spaces and parks are designed to accommodate the needs of Australian communities by being open at night. Continue reading about the benefits of opening parks at night... #ModularFurniture #ParkLighting #OutdoorFurniture

Digital placemaking, health & wellbeing and nature-based solutions: A systematic review and practice model https://bit.ly/3JhUpRW Nature-based solutions (NBS) offer a range of health benefits by integrating natural elements into urban planning and landscape management, contributing to mental and physical well-being. These solutions often include the creation and maintenance of green spaces, such as parks and urban forests, as well as blue spaces like lakes and rivers. Are the health implications of such interventions significant? Here is a summary of the study. Mental Health and Well-being: A systematic review within the document demonstrated that urban green and blue spaces are linked to reduced mental distress and improved well-being. The presence of green spaces is associated with lower levels of stress among residents. Physical Activity: Exposure to green spaces has been linked to increased physical activity, which is a significant factor in preventing various chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Social Cohesion: NBS can enhance social cohesion. Green spaces facilitate social interactions among community members, which is crucial for mental health and can provide a sense of community and belonging. I am pleased to see researchers turn their attention to this area particularly as it supports the practical outworking of Landcare's experience with enhanced health benefits. Landcare is closely aligned with the principles of NBS. It focuses on community-based stewardship of the land, which includes reforestation, sustainable land management, and restoration of natural habitats. By involving communities in caring for their environment, Landcare not only contributes directly to the ecological health of landscapes but also supports the mental and physical health of the individuals involved. Through activities such as planting trees and restoring waterways, Landcare participants experience direct contact with nature, which is known to offer therapeutic benefits, increase physical activity, and foster a sense of community and belonging. This direct engagement with the environment through Landcare activities enhances both ecological and human health, demonstrating a practical application of NBS principles. Landcare NSWNSW Government NSW Health NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Department of Regional NSW NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure

Digital placemaking, health & wellbeing and nature-based solutions: A systematic review and practice model https://bit.ly/3JhUpRW Nature-based solutions (NBS) offer a range of health benefits by integrating natural elements into urban planning and landscape management, contributing to mental and physical well-being. These solutions often include the creation and maintenance of green spaces, such as parks and urban forests, as well as blue spaces like lakes and rivers. Are the health implications of such interventions significant? Here is a summary of the study. Mental Health and Well-being: A systematic review within the document demonstrated that urban green and blue spaces are linked to reduced mental distress and improved well-being. The presence of green spaces is associated with lower levels of stress among residents. Physical Activity: Exposure to green spaces has been linked to increased physical activity, which is a significant factor in preventing various chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Social Cohesion: NBS can enhance social cohesion. Green spaces facilitate social interactions among community members, which is crucial for mental health and can provide a sense of community and belonging. I am pleased to see researchers turn their attention to this area particularly as it supports the practical outworking of Landcare's experience with enhanced health benefits. Landcare is closely aligned with the principles of NBS. It focuses on community-based stewardship of the land, which includes reforestation, sustainable land management, and restoration of natural habitats. By involving communities in caring for their environment, Landcare not only contributes directly to the ecological health of landscapes but also supports the mental and physical health of the individuals involved. Through activities such as planting trees and restoring waterways, Landcare participants experience direct contact with nature, which is known to offer therapeutic benefits, increase physical activity, and foster a sense of community and belonging. This direct engagement with the environment through Landcare activities enhances both ecological and human health, demonstrating a practical application of NBS principles. Landcare NSWNSW Government NSW Health NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Department of Regional NSW NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure