Health-promoting places: Rain gardens and sustainable water management

Abstract

What are the qualities of health-promoting places? Is the presence of water necessary? The rain gardens which are collecting the stormwater could become the dynamic elements of the urban landscape. Apart from ecological services they can also benefit human health. This paper presents two examples of sustainable water management in Gdynia, Poland and one in Asnièrs, close to Paris in France. The rain garden constructed near InfoBox in Gdynia is a good example of the implementation of the city environmental policy on a small scale. This rain garden in a planter helped to create an inviting place. Another rain garden developed as a part of the urban regeneration strategy in the northern part of Gdynia proves that such investment could make a huge difference in the quality of local living. A previously neglected space became lively and inviting. The Rue Soeur Valerie in Asnièrs is a good example of how to create a friendly, walkable street using a sustainable water drainage system. This paper discusses the positive health impact of water management.