PARQUES EM ANÁPOLIS-GOIÁS O CONTATO COM A NATUREZA E A SAÚDE

Abstract

As the fraction of the brazilian population that lives in the metropoles increases with every decade, the scientific evidence increasingly sustains that direct contact with nature is essential for well-being and for human development. The present study seeks an understanding of the role of parks in quality of life and health promotion in an expanding city in the Brazilian heartland. An enquiry is made into the subjective experience of the use of city parks in Anápolis, state of Goiás. Twenty four interviews were conducted with people living in the park neighborhoods. The procedure followed the methodological options of grounded theory in its constructivist adaptation proposed by Charmaz. Based on the citizen s experience, effects on health and wellbeing are discussed. Attractions of the parks, factors that inhibit or impede making full use of what they have to offer, as well as solutions for those problems are e identified. The results are presented in order to promote a better understanding of the citizen s perspective on parks and to underscore ideas for participative public policies.