What used to be known as a ‘park’ is now becoming an urban green space, and perhaps it is good that this is the case. Because we are becoming aware of the power and benefits that this type of places can generate in the areas where they are located. Especially in big cities, such as Madrid, afflicted with high pollution, the famous ‘beret’ that dominates the city skyline, and that green spaces help to mitigate.

Even more so those of a large size, such as the one that the residents of Skypark Valdebebas are fortunate enough to enjoy. First, with the view, since Felipe VI Park, the second largest green space in Madrid after Casa de Campo, is located right in front of the complex. Literally, a stone’s throw away. Then, with the lungs, since, as we will see below, urban green spaces contribute to purifying the air and, with it, our health in the short and long term, as well as our quality of life.

In addition, there are other parks in Valdebebas that dress everything in green.

Among the main advantages of living near a large green area, we highlight:

  • Cleaner air. The improvement of air quality is a fact in those areas close to green spaces, since they reduce the concentration of atmospheric pollutants such as ozone and suspended particles. In addition, plants absorb harmful gases and emit oxygen, which helps to improve air quality.

  • They counteract the island effect. Big cities, with their overdose of concrete, asphalt and lack of shade in the hottest months, generate a heat island effect. Therefore, living near large parks and away from the center, will free us from the pressure that makes summers in cities like Madrid too much like hell.
  • They promote a healthy lifestyle. The activities hosted by these spaces have to do with outdoor life, physical exercise, sports, love for nature and, all of them, contribute to consolidate a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle. They can also help to lift the mood and score points towards a daily life with more oxygen, both figuratively and literally.
  • Improving the water cycle. Green spaces help improve water quality by filtering pollutants and nutrients before they reach surrounding water bodies. They also help recharge subway aquifers by allowing water to infiltrate into the ground.
  • It helps family balance. Urban green spaces are also the most suitable habitat for the children of the house. Places to run, play, explore, investigate and, of course, socialize. All this results in family balance, since these parks are very beneficial for the development of the little ones. Those families who are committed to a healthy, expansive life, in contact with nature and open to exercise value living near a large park, thus combining the benefits of living in the city (services, restaurants, health care) with those of nature (fresh air, space, beauty…).

  • Aesthetic and psychological improvement. Linked to the previous point, the presence of green spaces in urban environments improves the overall aesthetics, creating more pleasant and attractive environments. In addition, contact with nature has been shown to have psychological benefits, such as reducing stress and improving emotional well-being.