The acquisition and development of parks and recreational facilities in Washington County provide a variety of private and public benefits to all residents. The cost of park acquisition and development is an investment in the future well being of individuals and contributes to the viability of communities in Washington County. Park and Open Space sites have a number of important individual, community, environmental and economic benefits.
PowerPoint Benefits of Park and Open Spaces June 2009 (POSP TAC)
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Community Benefits
Providing parks and open spaces contributes to the strength of a community in the following ways:
- Provides opportunities to interact with other individuals in the community.
- Recreation opportunities, facilities and the quality of the local environment are the foundations of community pride.
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Economic Benefits
The development of park and open space sites benefits the economy by:
- Attracting tourists which support outdoor recreation.
- Increasing values of nearby properties.
- Improving the quality of life of a community which is becoming a primary reason for attracting and retaining businesses.
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Environmental Benefits
Acquisition of land for parks and open space:
- Protects wildlife
- Enhances air quality
- Provides for preservation of environmentally significant land
- Reduces flooding and erosion
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Individual Benefits
Many personal benefits are gained through the use of parks and open spaces such as:
- Improving physical health and well-being
- Providing opportunities for learning and living a more balanced, productive life
- Decreasing stress levels
View more Individual Benefits of Parks and Open Spaces (pdf)