URBAN PARK AND CULTURAL ECOSYSTEM SERVICES: A STUDY ON THE LAJINHA MUNICIPAL NATURAL PARK IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF JUIZ DE FORA - MINAS GERAIS

The present work shows different benefits in the enjoyment of an urban green area, especially in relation to the reconnection with nature, which proves the relevance of urban parks for the health and well-being of city dwellers. Urban parks acquire centrality, contributing to the provision of cultural ecosystem services, positively interfering in guaranteeing the environmental quality of cities and also in improving the quality of life for populations, providing opportunities for contact with nature, moments of recreation, leisure and sociability. The work was done from a qualitative research bias, within the humanist perspective, through exploratory research, anchored in bibliographical and documental survey, observation and semi-structured interviews with residents of the direct surroundings and visitors/goers of Parque Municipal da Lajinha, located in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais. The main perceived benefit was of a psychological nature, associated with contact with nature, leisure, recreation, contemplation and spirituality, making these subjects recognize the importance of this green area for the provision of cultural ecosystem services, with direct interference in the improvement health and wellness promotion.