This study investigates the behavioral impacts and psychological benefits of urban green spaces, focusing on Balaju Baisdhara Park—a traditional pocket park located in Kathmandu, Nepal. The research is grounded in the principles of behavioral insights and Attention Restoration Theory (ART), which postulates that natural environments have restorative qualities that help individuals recover from mental fatigue and stress. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, both qualitative and quantitative data were collected through surveys, structured questionnaires, and direct observation of 200 park visitors selected via simple random sampling. The instruments assessed various psychological states such as relaxation, mental clarity, irritability, and perception of the park's environment using ART's core dimensions: fascination, being away, extent, and compatibility.



This study findings revealed that a significant number of respondents by perceived positive psychological and mental health outcomes from their interactions with the park. For instance, 45% agreed that the park enhanced their psychological well-being, and a majority found the park environment supportive in promoting relaxation and physical activity. However, a substantial proportion of respondents remained neutral in their responses, suggesting a possible lack of awareness or understanding of the park's full restorative potential. The results also indicated that the park's location and environment provided a valuable escape from urban stressors, yet perceptions of recreational variety and compatibility with personal preferences varied. The findings also suggest that the park fulfills some restorative functions,public ambivalence and limited strong agreement for greater public awareness



The study concludes that pocket parks like Balaju Baisdhara play a critical role in promoting urban mental health and behavioral well-being. It recommends increased efforts in public awareness, strategic urban planning, and policy integration to enhance the functionality and recognition of such green spaces. These spaces should be preserved and integrated into urban development plans as essential infrastructure for improving the quality of life in densely populated cities.