Investigative Review of North Carolina County Greenspaces with an Analysis of Covid-19 Death Rate and Health Factors

Current research on the utilization of greenspaces suggests that there are critical health benefits, specifically for obese and diabetic individuals, even when compared to exercising indoors. However, there has been limited research on how specific counties in North Carolina and their residents' exposure to green space differs. To identify the counties in North Carolina to study, initial research was conducted on obesity, diabetes, COVID-19 death rate, and recreational assets. After this examination, four counties were selected and analyzed regarding their number of greenspaces, acreage, population, economic data, and effectiveness in marketing the greenspaces to their residents. Additionally, research was gathered on municipalities nationwide on how funding is acquired to construct greenspaces. This scan of the literature found that Wake and Dare counties had a large number per acreage size and variety of greenspaces along with a higher percentage of residents with recreational access and lower numbers of their population that were susceptible to obesity, diabetes, and mortality from COVID-19. Alternatively, Robeson and Northampton counties had the opposite results. Understanding the differences between these four counties aids in comprehending specific recommendation steps that Robeson and Northampton should consider to improve their greenspaces and their public health profile.