Advantages of Green Spaces at The Landings

The uplifting statement “It’s like a breath of fresh air” has never been more fitting than when talking about green spaces in and around Savannah, Georgia, including on Skidaway Island and at The Landings.

Green space examples, such as The Landings’ Sunrise and Sunset parks and intentionally developed public spaces, are not only great places to spread a blanket for a family picnic or solo bird watch, but they also foster multiple environmental, physical and mental health benefits.

So what is green space? Let’s explore those in and around The Landings to see why they are a true purveyor of improved quality of life.

What are green spaces?

Green space typically refers to land with natural vegetation, including grass, trees, and other plants, that is open and accessible to the public.

Green spaces can include parks, walkable streets with trees and plantings, planted lots, and community gardens. They could even include something that Fido loves – dog parks!

Green space and mental health

One of the many advantages of green spaces is the positive impact on improved mental health. Access to green spaces lowers blood pressure reducing stress according to research.

Nature acts as a powerful stress reliever. Just a few minutes outdoors can regulate the sympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation.

Fresh air, natural surroundings and physical activity can lift your mood, reduce anxiety, improve cognitive function, and increase self-esteem. Whether you’re exploring a trail or cycling through a park, being outdoors positively impacts your mental state.

Some studies suggest that regular outdoor physical activity can improve sleep quality by helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

Green space and physical health

Living near a greenery area often promotes increased physical activity, whether it’s gardening, running, or playing Frisbee with your pooch. Increased activity lowers your odds of obesity, risk for diabetes and cholesterol-related heart issues, as well.

In addition, green spaces can boost your immune system. Time in nature can improve your exposure to microorganisms that are beneficial to your gut health. 

Environmental benefits of green spaces

Green spaces have a large positive impact on the environment, mainly improving air quality. Greenery helps to sequester carbon with one tree absorbing 25 kilograms of CO2 each year.

The spaces help combat urban heat, provide shade, deflect the sun’s radiation, and add moisture to the atmosphere. During heavy rainfall, green spaces can also soak up water to feed plants and help decrease stormwater runoff.

They allow animals to move through urban environments safely, as well as provide shelter. This benefits biodiversity by allowing species to thrive in areas they otherwise wouldn’t. Plants grow food that animals and humans alike can eat.

Popular green spaces on Skidaway Island

There are hundreds of parks and green spaces sprinkled throughout the Savannah region.

One of the most popular is Skidaway Island State Park. The park borders Skidaway Narrows, a part of Georgia’s intracoastal waterway. Trails wind through a maritime forest and past a salt marsh, leading to a boardwalk and observation tower. Visitors can watch deer, fiddler crabs, raccoons, egrets and other wildlife. It also features hiking trails, biking, camping, geocaching, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and an Interpretive Center.

Benefits of green spaces for Landings residents

So much of the Landings itself was developed with green spaces in mind. At the Landings, you don’t see rows of houses, but winding tree-lined streets. From private areas behind homes to public spaces such as the center of Village Green Circle, there are multiple green gems and nooks throughout the community.

Sitting on roughly 4,500 acres of land, The Landings is organized into seven distinct communities, each offering something unique when spending time in the community’s natural environments.

• Deer Creek: Features lush lagoons and gorgeous trails surrounded by woods and marshland with views to the Isle of Hope.
• Franklin Creek: Showcases tons of tennis, pickleball and bocce courts, as well as lagoon and golf views.
• Marshwood: You’ll find walking and biking paths along the marsh, lagoons and the Wilmington River.
• Midpoint: Because of its central location, hiking and biking trails are easily taken to visit the Rookery nature preserve.
• Marshview Landings and Moon River: These two neighborhoods are flanked by marsh views and Intracoastal Waterway views, with lovely lagoons throughout.
• Oakridge: Boasts The Gazebo, Clubhouse and Wellness Center – all convenient access by foot or bike.
• Palmetto: Here, along miles of walking and biking trails, you’ll find Sunrise Park, facing Romery Marsh, and Sunset Park, facing Delegal Creek and views galore.

The Landings’ nature-based areas provide something for everyone

Residents who join The Landings Golf & Athletic Club gain access to six legend-designed, championship golf courses, 31 Har-tru tennis courts, 14 pickleball courts and eight bocce courts.

Dogs and their owners will want to frolic in The Landings’ Association Dog Park. Canines can roam free throughout the large, fenced area while owners appreciate the park’s beautiful surroundings and build new friendships with other dog lovers. The park is centrally located on the edge of Marshwood and Midpoint.

If gardening is more your speed, The Landings has a sunny spot for you. Founded in 2011, Skidaway Farms, a community garden, is open to residents. The farm rents plots and raised garden beds for growing fruit, vegetables and flowers.

The Landings is the perfect playground for all ages and interests! Head to one of our parks for a play date, drop a line in our Kids Fishing Lagoon or enjoy a picnic at our Waterview Picnic Area.

In addition, relax with friends and family in one of our green spaces that hosts several events throughout the year. From resident sporting events, such as the Club Car Championship or Savannah Challenger Tennis Tournament, to our annual ‘Concert on the Green’, there’s something for everyone.

Want to experience all the green spaces our beautiful island has to offer? Register for a Discovery Visit today.