The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical role of urban and rural green spaces in society, especially during a global health crisis. This review, based on 66 articles published between 2020 and 2023, examines how green spaces were used for recreation, their impact on health and well-being, and the challenges faced by managers in adapting to new social expectations. The study found that green spaces became essential for mental health, offering a refuge from lockdown restrictions and providing opportunities for physical activity and social interaction while maintaining social distancing. The pandemic led to increased visits to green spaces, particularly in urban areas, with a significant rise in recreational use during the first wave of the pandemic. However, access to green spaces was sometimes restricted due to high visitor numbers. The research also identified the need for equitable access to green spaces and the importance of involving communities in decision-making processes. The pandemic has prompted new approaches to spatial planning and green space management, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices that balance ecological and social needs. The study concludes that green spaces are vital for long-term socio-environmental resilience and that future research should focus on improving green space planning and management to meet the changing needs of society. The findings underscore the importance of green spaces in promoting public health and well-being, especially in the context of future pandemics and climate change.The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical role of urban and rural green spaces in society, especially during a global health crisis. This review, based on 66 articles published between 2020 and 2023, examines how green spaces were used for recreation, their impact on health and well-being, and the challenges faced by managers in adapting to new social expectations. The study found that green spaces became essential for mental health, offering a refuge from lockdown restrictions and providing opportunities for physical activity and social interaction while maintaining social distancing. The pandemic led to increased visits to green spaces, particularly in urban areas, with a significant rise in recreational use during the first wave of the pandemic. However, access to green spaces was sometimes restricted due to high visitor numbers. The research also identified the need for equitable access to green spaces and the importance of involving communities in decision-making processes. The pandemic has prompted new approaches to spatial planning and green space management, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices that balance ecological and social needs. The study concludes that green spaces are vital for long-term socio-environmental resilience and that future research should focus on improving green space planning and management to meet the changing needs of society. The findings underscore the importance of green spaces in promoting public health and well-being, especially in the context of future pandemics and climate change.