Part of the early look at the proposed downtown plan includes the prospect of a median on Yakima Ave. with trees and landscaping and a plaza in a parking lot with some trees and green space.  While the addition of greenery to the downtown may be controversial in the early discussion, it just might prove calming and

KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty Images
KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty Images
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beneficial in the end.The University of Illinois found people who live surrounded by trees are healthier both physically and mentally than those trapped in a treeless urban jungle.

"Nature calms people, and it also helps them to psychologically rejuvenate," says Dr. Frances Kuo, who cites a study from Japan that shows those who regularly stroll in parks and other natural settings live longer than those who don't. Kuo advises everyone to make a point of spending time in an environment that has plenty of trees and green grass at least one visit per week for those who don't already live on tree lined streets.

 

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