Vacant lots, often filled with overgrown weeds and garbage, can discourage walking by lowering people’s sense of safety. However, these open spaces can be utilized to a communities benefit. When transformed into parks, playgrounds, playing fields or community gardens, vacant lots can encourage active recreation, play and even promote healthy eating. Improved access to physical activity settings like parks and playgrounds can stimulate participation in physical activity and community gardens can increase local access to fresh foods, encourage physical activity and promote social cohesion. Further, reclaimed vacant lots can eliminate blight, encourage walkability and reduce exposure to health hazards like broken glass, trash and other contaminants.
