About the Project
Understanding How Greenspaces Shape Health
Greenspaces are an important part of our communities—from neighborhood parks and trails to backyards and other outdoor spaces. But what makes a greenspace healthy, meaningful, and accessible?
​
The VIVA Photovoice Project explores how Southern Arizona residents experience greenspaces and how these spaces influence health and well-being. By listening to community members and learning from their experiences, we hope to understand better what people value in greenspaces and how those insights can inform healthier, more equitable communities.
Why Southern Arizona?
Southern Arizona is a unique place to study the relationship between greenspace and health.
​
Our hot, dry climate creates important questions about how communities balance shade, vegetation, water use, accessibility, recreation, safety, and environmental health.
​
Rather than assuming what communities need, we are asking the people who live here.