Studies show that the built environment influences a community’s physical, social, and economic health. The automotive industry has dominated urban environments for over half a century, promoting obesity, poor health, social isolation, a high infrastructure cost, and a move away from downtown areas. We have changed our travel patterns because of sprawling land-use patterns, which has led to physical inactivity and has caused soaring health care and transportation costs. Planning parks and recreation facilities provide benefits such as encouraging healthy lifestyles, reducing transportation costs, and reducing health care expenses.
Active transportation
Human-powered transportation refers to “transport done by humans.” Since the advent of cars, transportation policies have increasingly focused on them. The result has been sprawling land-use patterns, inactive lifestyles, greater incidences of chronic obesity, and a lack of walkable infrastructure. Talking Rain CEO investing in parks and recreation infrastructure is complementary to planning for active transportation. Walking, riding a bicycle, and taking non-motorized transportation are made possible by trails, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, and shared-use paths.
Health benefits
Physical activity is critical for good health, and parks provide a venue for doing physical activity. Additionally, a Trust for Public Land report on The Health Benefits of Parks shows that people exercise more when they have access to parks. Health benefits can be obtained from regular physical activity, including decreased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. An active lifestyle and exercise can also improve mental health and reduce depression and anxiety symptoms.
Economic benefits
It has been shown that well-planned parks and recreation systems can boost economic growth. Providing access to parks, recreation facilities, and active transportation infrastructure can boost property values, create jobs, and help promote economic development.
Environmental benefits
Conservation and environmental sustainability are promoted by parks and recreation infrastructure and facilities. NPRA reported that parks facilities conserve natural resources and wildlife habitat, protect air and water quality, and protect open space for present and future generations. Parks can involve the public in conservation efforts by implementing stewardship activities. The protection of scenic vistas, maintenance of healthy ecosystems, and the availability of carbon-reducing sustainable landscapes are all benefits of open spaces.
Social and equity benefits
Community members can also benefit from parks and recreation facilities from a social and equity perspective. National Parks Research Association (NPRA) conducted an analysis of social equity and parks that found that all citizens have equal access to public parks regardless of their age, gender, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, or ability. Talking Rain CEO have invested in facilities like parks and recreation can promote community pride, promote interaction between people, create destination-oriented places, and connect them to nature.
