RESEARCH

Recreation and Therapy in Urban Forests—The Potential Use of Sensory Garden Solutions

The most commonly found element to aid spatial orientation for blind and partially-sighted people was the presence of scents, identified in all 16 sites (100%). Conversely, tactile walking surface indicators, spatial models, and applications in mobile devices were not found in any of the 16 surveyed locations (0%).

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Older Adults/Seniors, Dementia/Traumatic & Acquired Brain Injuries, Mental Health Challenges/Trauma, Physical Disabilities

Setting or Context: Natural Areas/Parks/Forest

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Improved Stress Management, Improved Cognitive Function, Sensory Stimulation

Allied Profession Intersections: Recreational Therapy, Landscape Design

Type of Activity: Sensory Stimulation, Outdoor Gardening, Forest/Natural Area Immersion, Mindfulness/Visualizations

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Case Studies, Qualitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Patient-Reported Outcomes, Standardized Assessment Tools

Access: Free

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Summary

This study examined how well sensory gardens and paths in Poland cater to the needs of blind and partially-sighted individuals. Researchers visited 15 gardens and one sensory path located in various parts of Poland, including cities, rural areas, and natural parks. They used a checklist to see if these sites included features that help people with visual impairments navigate, such as noticeable smells, clear paths, different textures on the ground, information in Braille, models of the layout, and special surfaces you can feel with your feet. The goal was to understand if these recreational spaces, which aim to stimulate the senses, are truly accessible to everyone.

The researchers found that some helpful features were present more often than others. For example, scents were the most common feature, found in all 16 locations, and clear path layouts were also frequently observed. However, important aids like tactile walking surface indicators and spatial models were completely absent from all the sites studied. This suggests that while sensory gardens offer unique experiences, there are still many opportunities to improve their design to better support people with visual impairments.

Link

Wajchman-Świtalska, S., Zajadacz, A., & Lubarska, A. (2021). Recreation and Therapy in Urban Forests—The Potential Use of Sensory Garden Solutions. Forests, 12(10), 1402. https://doi.org/10.3390/f12101402

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