Park Planning and Design

Green spaces in developed areas provide substantial environmental benefits as well as opportunities for social interaction along with physical and mental fitness through recreation and relaxation. Trees, shrubs, and open space reduce air and water pollution, help keep areas cooler, and are a more effective and less expensive way to manage stormwater runoff than traditional systems of concrete sewers and drainage ditches. Parks also produce important social and community development benefits. Access to public parks and recreational facilities has been strongly linked to reductions in crime, particularly among juveniles. Community gardens and parks increase resident's sense of community ownership and stewardship, provide a focus for neighborhood activities, connect people from diverse cultures, and build community leaders.