June 2012
Photo: Niklas Weiss
Post by Holly Hendrix, Biophilic Cities Project Researcher, UVA Department of Urban & Environmental Planning.
Did you know that city parks are economic assets that create value for cities and residents? Parks attract tourism, sustain real estate values, and increase public health and enjoyment. Since 2007, the Center for City Park Excellence has been helping quantify these benefits to determine the economic impact of city park systems. Our five most recent park value reports focus on Virginia Beach, Seattle, Denver, Mecklenburg County in North Carolina, and Nassau and Suffolk Counties in New York.
The studies consider such benefits as increased property tax receipts, profits to businesses and hotels from park tourism, dollars saved as a result of fewer doctor visits due to park use, and the cost savings to the city or county government from stormwater management and reduced air pollution related to parks.