Question

Passage A
For decades, urban planners focused primarily on concrete, steel, and vehicular flow, treating green spaces as mere aesthetic afterthoughts. However, a growing body of research in environmental psychology is reshaping this perspective. Public parks are now recognized not just as decorative patches of grass, but as essential infrastructure for public health and community well-being.

Study after study demonstrates that regular access to green spaces significantly reduces cortisol levels—a primary physiological marker of stress. When city dwellers spend even twenty minutes in a green space, they report feeling more restored, focused, and emotionally balanced. This psychological relief is particularly vital in high-density environments where the constant sensory barrage of traffic, sirens, and crowds can lead to cognitive fatigue. By offering a quiet refuge from the relentless pace of urban life, parks help mitigate the long-term mental health challenges associated with city living.

Beyond individual psychological well-being, public parks serve as crucial social hubs that bridge economic and cultural divides. In a modern city, spaces where people can gather without the expectation of spending money are increasingly rare. Parks fill this void by offering neutral ground where neighbors can interact, children can play, and community events can take place. These interactions foster a sense of belonging and strengthen social cohesion, which are key components of a resilient neighborhood. When residents share space in a park, they build the mutual trust necessary for a functional society.

Finally, the benefits of parks extend beyond human residents. As cities expand, they inevitably fragment natural habitats. Urban parks act as vital sanctuaries for local wildlife, offering nesting sites for birds, resources for pollinators like bees and butterflies, and shelter for small mammals. By preserving these small pockets of nature within the urban grid, cities can support biodiversity that would otherwise be lost to development. Thus, urban parks represent a double victory: they heal the human mind while providing a lifeline for the city's non-human inhabitants.

Passage B
The rapid growth of modern metropolitan areas has created unprecedented environmental challenges, from rising temperatures to increased flooding risks. In combating these issues, civil engineers and ecologists are increasingly turning to nature-based solutions, with urban parks serving as the frontline defense against ecological degradation. These green spaces are no longer viewed merely as recreational zones, but as active ecological systems that provide tangible environmental services.

One of the most pressing challenges in contemporary cities is the urban heat island effect. Concrete, asphalt, and building materials absorb and retain solar radiation, making urban centers significantly hotter than their surrounding rural areas. Urban parks combat this by replacing heat-absorbing surfaces with vegetation. Trees and plants shade the ground and cool the air through transpiration—the process by which plants release water vapor. This natural cooling effect can lower local temperatures by several degrees, reducing the energy demands of nearby buildings and improving outdoor comfort for residents.

Additionally, parks play a critical role in urban stormwater management. In a heavily paved city, heavy rainfall cannot penetrate the ground, leading to overwhelmed sewer systems and localized flooding. Park soils and root systems act as giant sponges, absorbing rainwater and filtering out pollutants before the water re-enters local aquifers. This natural filtration is far more cost-effective than building massive concrete storm basins, showing how ecological preservation aligns with economic efficiency.

Importantly, the ecological value of these spaces is magnified by their role in urban wildlife conservation. Parks serve as stepping stones or green corridors across otherwise inhospitable urban terrain. Migrating birds, insects, and small animals rely on these patches of vegetation to travel between larger natural reserves. Without these urban havens, many species would find their migratory routes severed and their local populations isolated. By prioritizing green infrastructure, city planners can mitigate environmental hazards while ensuring that urban ecosystems remain viable habitats for diverse wildlife.

Based on the passages, both authors would most likely agree with which of the following statements about urban parks?