Preserving Open Space for Recreation, Livability, and Identity (original) (raw)

Open space can be defined as un-built lands within the city which provide environmental, social, and economic benefits for the communities that cover land and water bodies devoted to recreation, scenic beauty, and conservation. In addition to their ecological and aesthetic value to urban dwellers, open spaces are used as recreational facilities either in active or in passive mode. Apart from open space, urban heritage also forms an integral part of recreation for domestic and foreign tourists. They are important indicators for the livability of towns and cities to ensure the health and well-being of the citizens. This Chapter of the report deals with open space, covering active and passive recreational open spaces including green networks, urban and peri-urban greening, water bodies, and heritage issues as important elements of urban recreation