From Green Spaces to Thriving Places: The Case for More Parks
Authors: Katie Adkins & Michael Bradley
Why We Need to Invest in Community Parks and Recreation
Community parks and recreational spaces are more than just nice-to-haves—they’re essential to the vitality, health, and happiness of our neighborhoods. These green spaces provide room for relaxation, play, physical activity, and social connections. Simply put, they’re key to building stronger, healthier communities. Yet, despite their many benefits, parks often compete with other local needs for funding. To secure more investment in these vital spaces, we need to shine a brighter spotlight on the physical, mental, environmental, and economic value they bring.
Parks and the Environment
In an age where environmental concerns are top of mind, parks offer a simple, sustainable solution. They serve as critical green spaces that help reduce pollution, mitigate urban heat, and promote biodiversity. Parks absorb stormwater, provide shade, and reduce air pollution—helping communities combat the effects of climate change. They also serve as habitats for wildlife and green corridors that link fragmented ecosystems. As towns and cities search for environmentally sound strategies, parks should be seen as frontline assets in sustainability and climate resilience efforts.
The Economic Boost of Parks
Parks are powerful economic drivers. From hosting community events and recreational programs to attracting tourists and new residents, parks stimulate local economies in measurable ways. They increase nearby property values, support local businesses, and generate revenue through events, concessions, and programs. Parks also help attract and retain a skilled workforce by contributing to quality of life—a growing factor in economic development. Framing parks as long-term investments rather than expenses can help communities make the case for more funding and support.
Parks = Better Health
One of the most compelling reasons to invest in parks is their impact on physical and mental health. Parks offer spaces for free, accessible exercise—from walking paths and sports fields to outdoor gyms and nature trails. For families, playgrounds support childhood development and encourage healthy activity. In underserved areas, parks may be one of the few places for safe and affordable recreation. Research consistently links access to parks with increased physical activity (Cohen et al., 2007) and improved mental health outcomes (Mullenbach et al., 2018). These health benefits reduce public health costs and improve overall community well-being.
Building Stronger Communities
Parks are places where people connect. Whether it’s a summer concert series, a farmers market, or a casual meet-up on the walking trail, parks foster a sense of belonging. They provide neutral ground for social interaction, civic engagement, and intergenerational gathering. Parks help reduce social isolation, build trust, and create shared community pride. By investing in these shared spaces, communities invest in their own cohesion, resilience, and identity.
Telling the Story
To advocate for parks, we must tell the full story of their impact. This means highlighting not just how green they are—but how they shape our daily lives, support local economies, safeguard the environment, and connect people. Personal stories, data, and images of thriving parks can all help make a compelling case. When parks are seen as core infrastructure for thriving communities, they will no longer be considered optional.
Further Reading
· Cohen, D. A., et al. (2007). Contribution of Public Parks to Physical Activity. American Journal of Public Health, 97(3), 509–514. https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2005.072447
· Lombard, J. (2016). Designing Parks for Health. Parks & Recreation, 51(10), 77–81. https://www.nrpa.org/parks-recreation-magazine/2016/october/designing-parks-for-health/
· Mullenbach, L. E., et al. (2018). Benefits from local park and recreation renovations. Community Development, 49(5), 487–503. https://doi.org/10.1080/15575330.2018.1527777
· Scenic America. (2022). The Importance of Green Spaces. https://www.scenic.org/2022/07/27/the-importance-of-green-spaces/
About the Authors
Katie Adkins is a graduate of the master’s program in Recreation and Park Administration at Eastern Kentucky University. She currently serves as the Athletics Video Coordinator for EKU Athletic. LinkedIn Profile
Michael J. Bradley, Ph.D. is the Dean of Research and Graduate Studies at Arkansas Tech University. His work focuses on outdoor recreation, community-based tourism, and sustainable economic development. He is especially passionate about connecting people to nature, supporting rural resilience, and advancing outdoor recreation as a tool for both education and economic transformation. LinkedIn Profile