INVESTING IN HEALTH THROUGH PARKS & REC

Parks and Recreation departments are increasingly recognized as vital contributors to the healthcare system. This idea isn’t just accepted by professionals in the field; it’s supported by a broader scope of research that indicates that 73% of residents believe that recreation centers, parks, trails, and open spaces are essential pieces of  preventative healthcare. This view was shared across different demographic categories; the researchers found no difference in the level of agreement based on age, race and income. Further supporting this, a nationwide study examined the impact of local government spending on parks and recreation on self-reported health. Analyzing over 300,000 responses, researchers found that higher spending in these areas correlates with a lower likelihood of individuals rating their health as “poor.” Notably, out of all included government spending variables, parks and recreation is the only variable associated with better self-rated health.

Additionally, the Community Preventive Services Task Force recently highlighted the economic benefits of investing in parks and recreation infrastructure. Their upcoming systematic review in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine will show that every dollar spent on these projects yields $3.10 in health-related benefits. This reinforces the idea that investing in parks and recreation not only enhances public health but also offers substantial economic value.