Build more urban parks and have happier city dwellers

Green lung: The renowned 340ha Central Park in New York City receives 42 million visitors annually, generating US$1bil in revenue. Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Anthony Quintano

“Density and open spaces go hand in hand,” says Mitchell J. Silver, commissioner of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation.

While the statement might seem counter-intuitive at first glance, the award-winning city planner is actually referring to maintaining a balance – a balance between built-up and open spaces, something he knows a lot about coming from the crowded Big Apple.