Access to recreation areas and areas for recreational walking

In addition to nature and environmental change, the existence of nearby outdoor green spaces will contribute to physical activity. According to the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, outdoor physical activity has positive health effects, including in relation to circulation, lungs and muscles. It is also shown that physical activity reduces the risk and symptoms of some diseases. Even minimal activity is good for your health. Children who have a natural setting that offers a variety of activities show better physical development than children who have more cultivated and function-specific environments.

In its knowledge survey of the environment and health, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (2009) describes how the exploitation of green spaces falls as the distance to residential areas increases. In particular, children's action radius is limited. In play and unorganised activity during leisure time, most 5-6 year-olds stay within 100 metres of their own home.

Increased population density in cities and towns is in accordance with the national goal of a more concentrated development in order to reduce transportation and climate gas emission. Concentrated development can however lead to reduction of green areas and reduce access to recreational areas.

Statistics Norway has developed methodology to monitor the status and changes of recreation areas and areas for recreational walking and access to such areas for residents, residential buildings, school buildings and nursery buildings.

The statistics show that about 44 percent of people living in urban areas have safe access to areas for recreational walking, while around 43 percent have safe access to recreation areas. For children and adolescents under 20 years, the proportion is slightly higher.

There are large differences in access when looking at the individual urban settlements. On average, there is a distinct correlation between access and urban settlement size. The proportion of residents with access is smaller in the larger urban settlements.

The figures obtained in this study show a decline of somewhat above 1 percent in safe access to recreation areas and areas for recreational walking from 2007 to 2011. A bit more than 3 per cent of the recreation area was built up within urban settlements during this four-year period.