Dallas Parks and Green Spaces Linked to Improved Mental Health, SMU Study Finds
New Research Highlights Critical Role of Urban Nature in Underserved Communities
A new study from Southern Methodist University (SMU) reveals that access to parks and green spaces in Dallas is a luxury and a public health necessity, with significant benefits for mental well-being. Released in May 2025, the research underscores how the presence or absence of nature in urban neighborhoods directly impacts rates of depression, anxiety, and chronic stress, particularly in historically underserved areas of the city.
Infrastructure Deserts and Mental Health Disparities
The SMU study, conducted by a team of environmental and social scientists, focused on “infrastructure deserts”-parts of Dallas lacking parks, sidewalks, or easily accessible green spaces. Researchers found that these neighborhoods, often lower-income and predominantly Black and Latino, report higher levels of psychological distress compared to areas with more greenery.
Barbara Minsker, a professor and senior fellow at SMU who helped lead the study, explained the daily toll of living in concrete-dominated environments:
“Imagine going outside and only seeing concrete, highways, and fences. That environment wears on you. Over time, it becomes emotionally exhausting,” Minsker said during Earth’s North Texas Day, where she discussed the findings.
Small Changes, Big Impacts
The research found that even modest investments in green infrastructure, such as planting trees, creating pocket parks, or adding shaded walking trails, can profoundly impact mental health, particularly for children and older adults. The presence of tree-lined sidewalks or small parks correlated with reduced levels of depression and anxiety in the studied communities.
However, Minsker emphasized that these green upgrades must be safe and easily accessible:
“When people have to drive to a park, that’s not the same as being able to walk out your door and be in nature. This is especially crucial for people who rely on public transit or don’t have access to a car,” she said.
Dallas Initiatives Offer Hope
Dallas has begun to address these disparities through projects like the Five Mile Creek Greenbelt and the Southern Gateway Park in Oak Cliff. These initiatives aim to reconnect neighborhoods, provide recreation, and offer much-needed respite from urban stressors. According to the SMU study, such efforts are already making a difference by fostering social interaction and providing spaces for physical activity.
Broader Benefits and Urban Resilience
Beyond individual mental health, the study highlights broader community benefits. Green spaces help cool urban temperatures, a growing concern as Dallas faces longer, hotter summers, and contribute to community resilience, particularly in neighborhoods grappling with systemic challenges.
Minsky highlighted the broader implications:
“The data is a reminder that infrastructure is about more than buildings and roads- it’s about cities supporting the well-being of their residents. Prioritizing green space, equitably distributed and accessible, is not just good policy. It’s a form of care,” she said.
The Case for Equitable Green Space
As Dallas grows, the SMU study calls on city leaders to prioritize the equitable distribution of parks and green spaces. Ensuring all residents, not just those in affluent neighbourhoods, have easy access to nature is essential for public health and community well-being.
The findings suggest that targeted investments in green infrastructure could help close mental health gaps, foster stronger communities, and build a more resilient Dallas for the future.