Rivergate "Lunch boxes" now complete

Dave Macleod-Elliott - Spokesperson for the development

In the design layout of both Rivergate Business Park and the Pegasus Park Security Enclaves, the town planners identified centrally located nodes in each of the parks - for the development as a public open (green) space.

One of the benefits of such spaces was that staff from the surrounding businesses could use these spaces during their lunch break and enjoy a meal here.

The open space areas provide the opportunity for a food vendor to position themselves here, on a hard landscaped surface, providing an outlet for the vendor and a convenience for local employees. Soft landscaping and benches are provided to the parks.

These facilities have appropriately been named 'lunch-boxes." The township developers have now completed the landscaping to these facilities.

Nowadays, more emphasis is placed on business parks being designed to be environmentally sustainable and develop social health and lifestyle. Besides many ecological and environmental services, business parks provide significant social and spiritual benefits to human societies.

What are the positive environmental impacts and health benefits of small parks and green spaces?

Parks are emerging as important public health solutions in urban communities. Research evidence confirms

that nearby nature, including parks, urban forest and green spaces, support health and wellness. Further they offer suitable spaces for physical activity, stimulating recreational walking and therefore reducing sedentary time (sitting a lot).

Improved General Mood and Attitude - investigators have found evidence of lower frustration and increased brain activity, resembling meditation, when moving in green space versus being in retail and commercial areas that have no trees and green spaces.

Stress Reduction - the experience of nature is one antidote to stress, and the body's positive response is remarkably fast, occurring within minutes. Studies by environmental psychologists show that visual exposure to nature, in the form of trees, grass and flowers, can effectively reduce stress, particularly if initial stress levels are high.

Better Mental Health and Functioning - experiences of nearby nature contributes to better mental health and improve one's capacity to be productive. Views or brief experiences of nearby nature help to restore the mind from mental fatigue, as natural settings provide respite from the highly focused attention needed for most tasks at work. This may contribute to higher productivity in the workplace, as research shows that office workers with a view of nature are better able to deal with tasks, report fewer illnesses.

Improved Mindfulness and Creativity - nature settings offer sensory inputs that are mentally restorative and can foster ideation. In a study of creative professionals, nature experiences enhanced creativity by evoking new ways of thinking, promoting curiosity, and encouraging more flexible thinking. A nature recharge may support creativity, as the restored mind is better at analysing and developing ideas.

Building Social Capital - social capital, a critical condition for a host of community benefits, is formed from the interpersonal relationships of people and resulting supportive networks. The mere presence of landscape or trees promotes community connections.

Active involvement in community greening and nature restoration projects also produces social benefits, including strengthening of intergenerational ties and organizational empowerment.

For more information on the Rivergate development contact Dave Macleod-Elliott on 021 556 233 (o) or 083 453 7777.