Traffic-derived noise, air pollution and urban park design

Parks provide a range of ecosystem services and make major contributions to urban life. Improved environmental quality was observed in urban parks as pollutants and noise disperse. Numerical models were used to assess the role of various design elements in air pollution and noise attenuation in parks. The walls reduced pollutants and sound noticeably in its shadow. Dense conifers can trap pollutants in park borders and lower concentrations in interiors, but less efficient in noise reduction. A study of a design for a small urban park suggests principles for achieving lower user exposure to pollution and healthier park environment.