Improving Population Health and Health Equity: The Potential of Transitioning Public Open Spaces to Optimise the Production of Urban Ecological Services in Adelaide, South Australia

This research examines the potential of transitioning public "green spaces" to optimise health benefiting urban ecological services in metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia. The research found strengths but also significant weaknesses. The major weaknesses observed were poor quality amenities and facilities within open spaces, low landscape complexity, poor maintenance and inadequate integration with the built form and pedestrian networks of the surrounding neighbourhoods. Previous research has shown that the weaknesses we observed are adversely affecting the health and wellbeing of many residents. In addition, our research shows there are far more strengths and fewer weaknesses in pre-1945 and high-income neighbourhoods.