The French are clear: green spaces in the city are no longer a mere amenity, they’ve become a necessity. These are the findings of a survey of 2,005 city dwellers conducted by IFOP for ECT, which confirms a deep and growing attachment to parks, gardens and natural urban spaces.
While the majority are generally satisfied with the existing offer, expectations are growing – driven in particular by the 18-35 generation, who are calling for more, better-equipped and livelier spaces.
Beyond individual well-being, city dwellers unanimously recognize the essential role of greenery in the city: improving air quality, combating heat islands, strengthening social ties. A subject that is now making its way into public debate: 72% of those questioned said that the issue of “green in the city” would influence their vote in the next municipal elections…
“City dwellers have real expectations, not only in terms of creating and developing green spaces, but also in terms of facilities and services. Urban farms, planted promenades, land art, sports facilities… It’s vital that we get to grips with this issue, which is crucial to the well-being of local residents!” stresses Laurent Mogno, President of ECT.
“The study reveals a generational aspiration among Millennials for more green spaces in cities, and more facilities adapted to their practices. A significant gap is opening up with the baby-boomer generation, who are satisfied with green spaces and their facilities in their current state. “ analyses Ifop
Overall satisfaction, but expectations much higher among 18-35 year-olds
While the majority of French city dwellers declare themselves satisfied with their local green spaces, the younger generation expresses considerable frustration and much higher aspirations.
74% of city dwellers say they are satisfied with the number of squares, parks, gardens and green spaces in their municipality – but this satisfaction drops to 63% among 18-35 year-olds. Similarly, 66% of those surveyed would use green spaces more if their number increased, compared with 73% of Millennials. Access to more facilities (sports, games, relaxation areas) would attract 60% of city dwellers in general, and up to 75% of 18-35 year-olds. Finally, organized activities (gardening, sports classes, workshops) would appeal to 59% of those surveyed, and 72% of young adults.
When it comes to satisfaction with existing facilities, around one in two city dwellers feel they have a sufficient number of children’s playgrounds (50%), parks and gardens (49%), outdoor sports facilities (45%) and natural areas dedicated to flora and fauna (45%).
Here again, the 18-35 age group stands out: only 43% are satisfied with the number of parks and green spaces, 6 points below the national average. This dissatisfaction is also noticeable for sports facilities (37% satisfied, -8 points) and areas dedicated to biodiversity (39%, -6 points).
Green spaces appreciated for their individual and collective benefits
The French are virtually unanimous on the virtues of urban green spaces. On a personal level, 92% believe they help improve morale. In terms of social cohesion, 82% consider that “green in the city” encourages relations between residents. And in environmental terms, 92% see them as valuable islands of coolness, 91% as a means of improving air quality, and 89% as an opportunity to develop biodiversity in the urban environment.
Everyday places for 7 out of 10 city dwellers
Green spaces are an integral part of the daily lives of city dwellers: 7 out of 10 say they visit a park, square or public garden at least once a month, including 34% at least once a week, and 4% every day. Only 29% say they never go.
This proximity is partly explained by their good territorial distribution: 36% of city dwellers live less than 5 minutes’ walk from a green space, 34% between 5 and 10 minutes, 19% between 11 and 20 minutes, and only 11% more than 20 minutes.
The main uses are for relaxation and rejuvenation: 88% of city dwellers go for a walk, 71% take part in leisure activities (picnics, reading, sunbathing), 64% meet up with their families to play or relax, and 63% take part in outdoor sporting activities. What’s more, almost one in two city dwellers (46%) say they’d be willing to do more gardening if the infrastructure made it possible.
Methodology
The survey was carried out from January 31 to February 3, 2020, by online self-administered questionnaire, among a sample of 2,005 city dwellers representative of the major population residing in urban communes in mainland France. Representativeness was ensured by the quota method, according to socio-demographic (gender, age), socio-professional (occupation) and geographic (region, size of urban unit) criteria, defined on the basis of INSEE data (2015 Employment Survey).
