Green space refers to areas of vegetated open land within urban areas, including parks, playing fields, natural areas, urban forests, greenways, and sometimes private gardens and landscaped areas. Green spaces provide multiple benefits: recreation and physical activity opportunities, mental health benefits from nature access, cooling (reducing urban heat island effects), stormwater management, habitat for wildlife, improved air quality, and enhanced property values and neighbourhood quality. Municipalities plan and protect green space through official plans, zoning regulations, parkland dedication requirements, and conservation easements. Planning standards often specify minimum green space per capita or within walking distance of residents. Climate change is increasing green space importance for adaptation (cooling, stormwater management) while also threatening urban trees through drought and pests. Equitable green space access across neighbourhoods is a growing planning concern, as lower-income areas often have less green space.