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How Benefits Are Delivered
By Parks And Recreation Services

 

Personal Benefits

FUN
Play & Imagination- Creativity & Innovation - Self Expression & Spontaneity
WELLNESS
Balanced Lifestyle - Fitness & Wellness - Get Energized
LEARNING
Experience Something New - Develop Life & Job Skills - Grow Knowledge
CONNECTIONS
Positive Role Models - Foster Relationships & Inclusion - Create Memories

  • Recreation programs skills in art, crafts, sports and other positive leisure activities
  • Parks and recreation facilities (such as pools, playgrounds and Community Centers) cool, calm and bring people together
  • Parks provide multitude of recreational experiences
  • Community Centers offer wellness programs promoting personal health and fitness
  • Access to natural beauty reduces stress

Environmental Benefits

QUALITY OF LIFE
Beauty - Improve Air & Water Quality - “Smart Growth” Planning & Development Principles
CONSERVATION
Conserve Energy & Water - Preserve Ecosystem & Urban Forest - Promote Recycling
CITY IDENTITY
Access to Distinctive Landscapes - Promote Community Service & Pride - Promote “City of Trees”
EDUCATION
Environmental & Wildlife Education - Protect & Conserve Natural Resources - Importance of Protecting Biodiversity

  • Parks and recreation services significantly contribute to quality of life
  • Trees remove carbon dioxide, produce oxygen, filter out pollution and conserve energy
  • Public information distributed on value and care of urban forest
  • Natural/open space areas and interpretive information educate on environmental values and resources
  • Essential “green infrastructure” preserved through enhancement and protection of biodiversity and natural resources

Social Benefits

INVOLVEMENT
Responsibility - Community Pride & Participation - Stimulate Volunteerism
SAFE PLACES
Positive Diversions & Gatherings - Caring & Accessible - Security
STRONG COMMUNITIES
Neighborhood Sustainability - Celebrate Richness of Diversity - Increase Cultural Identity & Unity
PARTNERSHIPS
Strengthen Existing Bonds - Leverage Resources - Common Purpose

  • After-school programs provided for children and teens
  • Community buildings are gathering places and sources of civic information
  • Programs reflect uniqueness of neighborhoods and celebrate diversity
  • Schools, community based organizations and other public agencies are collaborated with
  • Civic involvement possible through community meetings, volunteer opportunities, and neighborhood activities and events
  • Volunteers, neighbors and participants provide “eyes on” to enhance safety

Economic Benefits

PRODUCTIVITY
Viable Business Environment - Support the Working Family - Personal RejuvenationTOURISM
Attract Visitors - Activities & Events - Historic Preservation
JOBS
Training & Work Opportunities - Attract & Retain Workforce - Diverse, Caring Employees
MARKETABLE CITY
Enhance Natural Amenities - Promote Economic Investment - Attract and Retain Retirees

  • Well maintained parks, open space and recreation amenities enhance livability and increase property values
  • “Green infrastructure” is marketable and attracts both business and residents
  • Multitude of programs and facilities keeps people of all ages in the City
  • Work and volunteer opportunities provided
  • People visit from throughout the region and spend money here· Workers use outdoor spaces and recreation facilities for self renewal and enhancing productivity
  • Employment opportunities provided for youth