The Healing Power Of Nature: A Seattle Green Space During COVID-19

Laila Abdi

4 min read

Post on May 25, 2025

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Increased Park Usage & Mental Well-being in Seattle During COVID-19

The pandemic saw a dramatic increase in park visitation across Seattle. People sought solace and respite in the city's numerous parks, recognizing the inherent therapeutic benefits of nature.

Stress Reduction and Improved Mood

Access to green spaces has been scientifically proven to lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and boost endorphins, leading to improved mood and reduced anxiety.

• Studies from the University of Washington and other institutions have consistently linked green space access to reduced rates of anxiety and depression.
• Seattle parks like Discovery Park, with its stunning coastline views, and Gas Works Park, offering expansive open spaces and unique industrial remnants, became havens for stressed residents.
• "Spending time at Green Lake was my saving grace during lockdown," shared one Seattle resident. "Just being surrounded by nature helped me feel calmer and more grounded."

Social Connection and Community Building

While social distancing guidelines limited physical interactions, Seattle's parks provided opportunities for safe and socially distanced connection.

• Walks with family members, socially distanced picnics with friends, and even quiet individual moments in nature allowed for crucial social interaction while adhering to safety protocols.
• Several community initiatives utilized parks to distribute essential resources and organize socially distanced support groups, fostering a sense of community during a time of isolation.
• Although precise figures are difficult to obtain for all parks, anecdotal evidence and reports from the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department suggest a significant surge in park attendance during the pandemic.

Physical Health Benefits of Seattle's Green Spaces

Beyond mental well-being, Seattle's green spaces also contributed significantly to the physical health of its residents.

Increased Physical Activity

Parks encouraged increased physical activity through various outdoor recreational opportunities.

• Hiking on the many trails in Seward Park, biking along the Burke-Gilman Trail, walking through the vibrant Volunteer Park Conservatory, or practicing yoga in Cal Anderson Park – the options were abundant and accessible.
• Increased physical activity in green spaces is linked to improved cardiovascular health, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and overall improved physical fitness. Data from numerous studies supports this.

Improved Air Quality and Environmental Benefits

Spending time in green spaces also offers significant environmental benefits, directly impacting physical health.

• Trees and vegetation act as natural air purifiers, absorbing pollutants and improving air quality. Seattle's commitment to urban forestry enhances this effect.
• Improved air quality translates to reduced respiratory problems and improved lung function.
• Initiatives like Seattle's urban forestry programs aim to enhance the air quality and overall environmental health within city parks.

The Role of Nature in Resilience and Coping Mechanisms

Seattle's green spaces played a crucial role in building resilience and providing coping mechanisms during the pandemic.

Nature as a Source of Calm and Reflection

Nature offers a powerful antidote to stress and anxiety, promoting feelings of calm and tranquility.

• Practices like "forest bathing" (shinrin-yoku), which involves immersing oneself in the forest atmosphere, and other forms of nature therapy gained popularity.
• Many Seattle residents found solace in quiet moments of reflection within the city's parks, utilizing them for mindfulness and meditation practices.
• The serene atmosphere of places like the Japanese Garden within the Seattle Center offered a peaceful escape from the pandemic's anxieties.

Reconnect with Nature and its Benefits

The pandemic underscored the importance of reconnecting with nature and appreciating its intrinsic value.

• Seattle's parks provided a platform for this reconnection, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world and its benefits for mental and physical health.
• Initiatives promoting environmental awareness and stewardship within Seattle's green spaces contributed to this positive shift in perspective.
• The experience highlighted the essential role that green spaces play in fostering community well-being and resilience.

Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of Seattle's Green Spaces

Seattle's green spaces proved invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing a crucial source of support for both the mental and physical well-being of its residents. From stress reduction and increased physical activity to fostering social connection and promoting a deeper connection with nature, the therapeutic benefits of Seattle's green spaces were undeniable. To leverage Seattle's natural healing power, we urge you to explore the numerous parks and green spaces our city offers. Experience the restorative power of nature in Seattle and discover the enduring benefits it provides for your health and well-being. Let's continue to appreciate and protect these vital resources for generations to come, ensuring the continued therapeutic benefits of Seattle's green spaces for all.