Realising the Impact of the Connswater Community Greenway
Results from a study evaluating the economic, environmental, health and social impacts of the Connswater Community Greenway were announced at an event held at Riddel Hall (25th March).
The Physical Activity and Rejuvenation of the Connswater (PARC) Study was an 8 year research project conducted by Queen’s University (Principal Investigator: Professor Frank Kee) and funded by the National Prevention Research Initiative and Medical Research Council in partnership with EastSide Partnership and Connswater Community Greenway Trust.
The PARC study commenced before the construction of the Greenway (2010) and reports on findings after the construction completion (2017). It provides a ‘before and after’ evaluation of the public health impact the Greenway has had, to date, on residents living nearby.
The event, was attended by the Chief Medical Officer and included representatives from community, voluntary and statutory agencies from across Northern Ireland and UK, was also an opportunity to acknowledge the success of the Connswater Community Greenway project to date, address areas of development, explore legacy, sustainability and benefits of greenways.