Contributions of Visitation in Parks to Health and Wellness: A Comparative Study between Natural and Urban Parks in Brazil

In recent years, researchers and international bodies have been focusing on better understanding the potential of parks for the promotion of their visitors' health and well-being. Most of these initiatives are directed toward parks and green areas located within urban centers, favoring aspects related to physical health, illness prevention and treatment, and moments of sociability. Studies that aim to cast a wider look at the diversity of motivations and potential benefits associated with parks, including natural (non-urban) parks, are scarce. This work conducted a comparative study between an urban and a natural park in Brazil, seeking to understand motivations related to health and wellness, as well as the benefits perceived by visitors. The research analyzes data from 180 structured questionnaires (n = 180) completed by visitors of both studied parks. The results confirm the creation of direct benefits to the visitors' health and well-being, especially emotional and psychological ones.