More greenery does not automatically make a neighbourhood healthier

NEWS

POLICY & LEGAL

Heleen Kommers, Tuesday 22 September 2026

115 sec

Enschede study: green public space helps, but social interaction requires more

Removing paving and adding greenery. Municipalities are increasingly greening neighbourhoods to improve the living environment. But a greener neighbourhood does not automatically lead to more contact between residents. This is shown by research into Healthy Neighbourhoods in Enschede.

Image for illustration, generated with AI

More grass, trees and plants are intended to make heavily paved neighbourhoods healthier. In Enschede, this is done under the name 'Healthy Neighbourhoods'. The idea behind this approach is that additional greenery not only creates a more pleasant living environment, but also contributes to exercise, meeting others and social connections.
The municipality wanted to know whether this also happens in practice and therefore commissioned research into four locations where public space had been greened.

Green spaces in neighbourhoods facing multiple challenges

The research was carried out between January and May by Van Dijk Onderzoek en Advies. The organisation looked at four locations in vulnerable neighbourhoods: Het Bijvank and community centre De Magneet in Wesselerbrink, Het Kompas in Deppenbroek and 't Nie-Je Terphoes in Boswinkel.
These neighbourhoods face various challenges. Relatively many people live close together, there are many social housing properties and liveability is under pressure. Residents experience more nuisance, feelings of insecurity and problems with litter in public spaces. These neighbourhoods also score below the Enschede average in terms of health and wellbeing.

More greenery makes a neighbourhood more attractive, but social connections do not develop automatically

From transit area to green meeting place

At the locations studied, the municipality transformed public space from a paved area into places where residents can walk, play and meet each other.
One example is Het Bijvank. The park between the courtyard houses and hobby homes was mainly used as a route for cyclists, fatbikes and scooters and as a parking area. Despite its central location in the neighbourhood, the area hardly encouraged interaction between residents.
After redevelopment, the park has become a green space with walking paths, play facilities and room for social interaction. New walking routes, planting and facilities were also added around community centre De Magneet.

Greenery alone does not automatically create interaction

The research shows that greening has a positive effect on how residents experience their neighbourhood. The locations are seen as more pleasant, accessible and attractive places to visit.
However, the researchers warn that green design alone is not enough. A park with benches, trees and play areas does not automatically lead to more contact between people. Activities and cooperation between the municipality, social organisations and residents are also needed.
Without this additional effort, there is a risk that vulnerable groups, such as lonely elderly people, will still make little use of the new spaces.

A beautiful green space is a good foundation, but the neighbourhood also needs opportunities to use it

Municipality continues investing in Healthy Neighbourhoods

The municipality of Enschede sees the research as confirmation that investing in green neighbourhoods works. According to the municipal executive, these places encourage residents to spend more time outdoors, exercise more and meet each other more easily.
At the same time, the municipality wants to continue focusing on the social side of the projects. In addition to the design of public space, activities and resident involvement remain important to ensure that green spaces truly come alive.
Enschede will therefore continue developing Healthy Neighbourhoods. The municipality aims to create two new green neighbourhoods every year.

The design of public space is important, but management and use ultimately determine whether a place truly comes alive

This article was previously published on 17 September 2026 on the website of Stad + Groen.

Gemeente Enschede

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