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The Benefits of Public Access to the Raritan RiverSofia Rodriguez, Intern

Sara J. Malone, Senior Research Specialist, Environmental Agency and Communications Group

Overview The New Brunswick Raritan Public

Access Project works to analyze the benefits that public access can have on vulnerable populations such as those in New Brunswick, NJ

New Brunswick residents suffer from:

• Higher risk of developing physical health problems, especially obesity and comorbid disorders

• Higher risk of developing mental health problems

• Higher crime rates than the US as a whole and all other townships in Middlesex County

Significance

Methods

1

• Conduct extensive literature review to assess benefits of public access to recreational areas

2

• Compile research to present statistical evidence to support the correlation between public access to recreation and improved health and well-being

3

• Create an anonymous survey to determine community support and interest of having public access to the Raritan River

Outcomes

Vulnerable populations (minorities and low socioeconomic status areas) are significantly less likely to have access to recreational areas

Evidence shows strong connections between proximity to recreational areas and increased physical activity

Evidence also shows strong connections between access to recreational areas and:

• Improved physical health, especially related to weight management

• Better mental health, sense of well-being, reduced stress and aggression

• Reductions in crime, particularly juvenile delinquency

Bring awareness to the benefits of public access to the Raritan

River

Gather community support and

encourage use of existing parks

Achieve better health and well-being

amongst citizens utilizing public access

EvaluationEvaluate the effects of improved public access on health and well-being by reviewing and comparing health and crime rate data before and after improvements are made

AcknowledgementI would like to thank my preceptor, Sara J. Malone, who helped make this project a success Photo credit: Denise Nickel, MCIA

Photo credit: Mario Burger