Recreational Spaces
Bringing communities together in safe parks
Parks and recreation facilities help to pull a community together and provide important benefits to individuals, families, and the community. From a physical health perspective, increased physical activity can diminish the risk of chronic disease, help promote weight loss, strengthen the immune system, and increase life expectancy. Participation in park activity programs not only improves physical well-being, it can contribute to improved mental health and quality of life. Families sharing a hike in the park, or playing a game of soccer together strengthen their family bond.
Unfortunately, access to recreational facilities and parks is a major challenge in many neighborhoods, contributing to a lack of opportunities for physical activity. Thinking creatively about a community's situation, including barriers and assets, can help generate solutions. For example, a community may have youth that wish to play in a basketball league but lack sufficient space to practice. By considering all of the resources in the neighborhood, a joint-use agreement may allow the basketball team to partner with the local church for practice space.
In another situation, a park may be present in the community but be difficult to access due to a lack of crosswalks. By organizing the community and raising awareness, safety concerns can be addressed, allowing more community members to access a valuable space for activity and recreation.
Case Studies
Du Page County, Illinois, has a long-range transportation plan that supports trails and open space for community use.
A revitalization project made this local landmark safer and more accessible so that area residents can enjoy the outdoors.