Why Parks Are Important
We all have a memory that reminds us that parks are nice: family picnics, kite flying, a walk with a friend or family member, a visit to a garden that inspired you. But the value of our parks, to you, your children, grandchildren, and our community, transcends simply pleasant memories. Parks are crucial to our health and well-being—and the health and well-being of our community.
Parks provide us with the opportunity to spend unstructured time out of doors, to discover, and to develop a sense of being connected to nature. Kids who regularly spend unstructured time out of doors in a natural area, like a park, benefit: they do better academically, are more creative, better problem solvers, do better in social situations, are better at assessing risk, and less like to suffer from physical and mental health issues relative to kids who do not. In addition, numerous studies have demonstrated that adults who feel a connection with nature, a connection that can be gained spending time in parks, are happier than those who lack that connection.
Vibrant, accessible, and well-maintained parks also provide a strong economic benefit. They make communities more attractive to businesses and individuals looking to start up or relocate. A house located close to a park has a greater market value than one that is not.
Parks and access to parks are important. They are a necessity, not a nicety.
