The publication consists of results and findings from the programme "Expert basis for spatial planning of green spaces to promote physical activity in the population" (also called Going out for Health - Ven za zdavje), which was co-funded by the Ministry of Health as part of the "Dober tek Slovenija" (Good run/bon appetit Slovenia) effort to get more exercise and healthier diets, under the 2017-2019 call for proposals in the field of nutrition and physical activity for health.

The lessons learned were based on a review of the literature, expert judgement and testing on a pilot case study in the municipality of Kočevje. The pilot case tested the adequacy of different aspects and their relevance for the design of green spaces to promote physical activity at municipal level. On the basis of a spatial analysis and evaluation of selected areas in the municipality of Kočevje (the urban settlement of Kočevje and smaller rural settlements, i.e. Kočevska Reka and Mozelj) and an analysis of the municipality's current spatial plan, the feasibility and applicability of guidelines for strategic and more detailed planning level were tested, taking into consideration green space planning and design for physical activity. Various methods were used to support the work, such as spatial and demographic analyses, surveys and interviews. The programme also included four expert workshops with participants from different fields in public health, a number of presentations, thematic lectures and a consultative cross-sectoral workshop with ministry representatives.

The handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the topics, from the visions stressed in international resolutions and national programmes to research findings on public health in relation to physical activity and green spaces, on people's needs and the types of physical activity as the key to maintaining health, on urban green spaces and theis types, their functions, and their design to achieve quality space. The focus is on the qualitative aspects of green space design and recommendations for spatial planners and municipalities to ensure planning and management of high quality open spaces.

The chapters of the handbook answer specific questions:
- WHY: why health and spatial planning are related topics,
- WHO AND WHAT: how to understand users and their needs,
- WHERE: in what kind of open space the activities are carried out,
- HOW: how to approach the design of green spaces to achieve their integrity, suitability and quality.

The Handbook is a guide to be used by a wide range of professionals, as it addresses an important aspect of improving the quality of life in urban areas and the potential to influence healthy lifestyles through appropriate open space planning and design.

It is aimed primarily for local authorities and planners and designers of public open spaces, who can use it to ensure quality conditions for outdoor activities and active lifestyles. The handbook provides an overview of relevant aspects and general guidance for practical design decisions and adaptations to local spatial context. The topics are based also on the principles of sustainable spatial planning.

The handbook is also aimed for local administrations, especially in spatial development, ensuring the quality environment and the opportunities for outdoor physical activity of the population. The guide can be useful for the preparation of the objectives and vision in all spatial planning documents (on regional and local level - RPP, OPP, OPN, ordinance on urban planning and OPPN). It can slso serve as an incentive for local services and decision-makers to take a more active approach to ensure a quality living environment for all users of public space.

The manual is meant also as support for the Ministry of Health and the Ministry's authorised functionaries for the preparation of specific guidelines and in the assessment of spatial plans in spatial planning procedures.

The content of the manual is a starting point for the definition and integration of new indicators for public health assessment in Slovenian municipalities, and in this sense it is designed to support the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ), which provides health monitoring for all municipalities. It is also an expert basis for rising awareness and communication the topic with other ministries.

It is also written for residents, associations and NGOs as a source of information and a starting point for initiatives to improve opportunities for physical activity in the local outdoor environment.

Finally, it is intended for public health professionals at national, regional and local level to learn about the possibilities and opportunities green spaces have - all themes that link the broad fields of spatial planning and public health. It is also useful for health and physical activity promotion for practitioners - in health, sport and education institutions, work and non-governmental organisations, and the local community in general.

• Green space planning at municipal level should be comprehensive, inclusive, systemic and cross-sectoral, involving the local community in the process. Smaller municipalities in particular need support and expertise in this respect, which should be provided in a systematic way at national or regional level.
   
• It is important to bear in mind that encouraging spatial conditions for everyday, ordinary activities such as walking and cycling (also as mobility style), various forms of play, dancing, socialising, gardening, etc., are particularly important for an active lifestyle. These do not require special facilities or expensive equipment, but rather a general quality, good accessibility and variety of open space. This applies in particular to green spaces, which also provide contact with nature, which is very important for health and well-being, and conditions for active mobility in local urban environment.
   
• The provision of high quality, public green spaces should therefore not be seen as an expense, but as a  long-term investment in the development of society and also economy. This applies not only to urban environments, but also to rural areas, where the spacial conditions for different types of activiries are often very poor.
   
• Well-designed green spaces will also improve the long-term resilience and adaptability of cities and communities to health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to natural disasters and climate change.
   
• Spatial planners are required to have the appropriate expertise (including a landscape architect) to plan and design public open space, green spaces and landscapes, and to have a good understanding of both their benefits and their risks to the health taking into consideration different groups of the population.
   
• Adequate and effective planning requires knowledge and consideration of the local environment, spatial context, the needs of the population (diverse groups) and other conditions specific to the local community and space. In order to ensure the improvement of provision with green spaces or their quality, expert spatial analyses should be carried out, which include the current state of open spaces and the provision of green spaces in the city/settlement.
   
• In order to ensure that development decisions are effective, special emphasis should on identifying the potentials and analysing problems, involving all relevant departments and actors at municipal and community level. Measures should be properly integrated into spatial planning acts at different levels (regional and local - RPP, OPP, OPN).
   
• There is a need to prepare appropriate project - design and built documentation for green spaces and other public open spaces to ensure the quality of construction, including maintenance instructions and the establishment of appropriate long-term management.