Parks and Recreation Month isn’t until July, but we thought we would point out the importance of having parks near where you live any time of year. Parks are not only important to the health and well-being of an individual, but an entire community, the economy and the environment. Stanford Crossing is home to five parks. Here are six reasons why parks are so essential to a community.
1. Parks promote health and wellness
Whether you’re on a picnic, a refreshing stroll, or walking your dog, parks and open spaces promote physical activity and improved mental health. According to a study conducted by American Public Health Association, 75% of adults believe that only parks and recreation can address America’s obesity crisis. If you think about it…parks also offer a free alternative to expensive gym memberships.
2. Parks + Kids = Thrive
It’s no secret that kids love parks and playgrounds and open spaces to play. Having access to parks and green spaces during their prime growing years is extremely important for physical growth, communication and social skills, and an imaginative mind. Many studies have shown that kids who spend time playing outdoors have better motor and cognitive skills, are more physically active, and display fewer behavioral problems. Parks allow for kids to take a much-needed break from their mobile devices and video games. In short, kids thrive!
3. Parks allow for bonding time
Studies suggest that parks have a positive impact on community building and family bonding. Greater access to green spaces provide a natural outlet for fun activities for families, and social connections.
4. Parks build safer neighborhoods
Parks are nurturing spaces for communities as they provide shared areas that help create informal interactions between people. Community parks mean more activity in that neighborhood, more social events, and recreational choices. This type of interaction in nature creates conditions for a safer neighborhood.
6. Parks are crucial to the environmental
Parks are an integral part of our natural ecosystem, a habitat ground for both flora and fauna. When it comes to air pollution, it is only trees and huge green spaces like parks that can actively cut down pollutants. Trees remove 19 million pounds of air pollution each year. Parks are crucial in sustaining a better environment, clean air, and healthy living.
Photo: Stanford Crossing’s 5 parks offer a variety of different amenities. From play structures, walking trails, ropes playgrounds, parkour obstacles, skate ramps, basketball courts, gazeboes and picnic tables.