Sure, parks are nice. But are they important? Do parks contribute to a community’s health and vitality in the same way traditional urban infrastructure does? Recent studies say yes. Parks have a far-reaching impact on neighborhood economics, health, education and safety.
Sure, parks are nice. But are they important? Do parks contribute to a community’s health and vitality in the same way traditional urban infrastructure does? Recent studies say yes. Parks have a far-reaching impact on neighborhood economics, health, education and safety.
- According to the Centers for Disease Control, Americans living closer to parks are more likely to exercise regularly, leading to weight loss, increased energy and better overall health.
- Economic surveys conducted by private and public sector agencies confirm that parks increase residential and commercial property values.
- Studies show that urban parks deliver significant environmental benefits, filtering pollutants from the air and helping to control storm water runoff during rainy seasons.
- Teachers report that parks enhance education by serving as destinations for local field trips and outdoor classrooms that illustrate natural and life science lessons.
- Police departments document sharp declines in juvenile arrests after recreational facilities open in low-income neighborhoods.
- Urban planners agree that well-maintained parks improve communities by increasing neighborhood cohesion. After parks open, neighbors are more likely to interact, take pride in their communities and form neighborhood watch and other local improvement groups.
Parks aren’t an “extra” that can be ignored in tough economic times. As a part of the urban infrastructure, they’re as essential as roads, bridges and utilities.
