Improved Physical & Mental Health
Access to parks and other outdoor spaces encourages people to be more physically active, whether by walking, jogging, biking, or simply spending time in nature. Just as importantly, these spaces also support mental well-being. Taking the time to get outside and take in natural light and fresh air, even just briefly, reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. In an increasingly fast-paced digital world, parks and outdoor recreation spaces are a restorative outlet, making them essential to overall health and well-being.
Environmental Protection
Green spaces that support native plants serve as vital habitats for local wildlife and promote biodiversity. Trees and vegetation help filter air and water pollutants, reduce noise, and control erosion while absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen, directly improving air quality. Additionally, green infrastructure such as rain gardens, swales, retaining basins, and vegetated buffers filter stormwater, which keeps pollutants out of streams and rivers.
Economic Growth & Real Estate Value
The University of Washington’s Green Cities: Good Health project discovered some of the economic perks of natural spaces. Local trade gets a boost from the flow of visitors to parks, as well as from being situated in areas with trees and plantings — people who are genuinely enjoying themselves in a green space tend to stay longer and spend more in nearby shops, restaurants, and other businesses.
That “feel-good” energy makes neighborhoods more desirable, leading to increased property values and real estate development. Homes near parks may command premiums up to 20% higher and sell faster than comparable homes elsewhere. In urban settings in particular, homes directly adjacent to a park have been valued 20% higher than identical homes only a few streets away.
Stronger Community & Social Ties
Neighbors can meet, interact, and build lasting social bonds in their local park. Events like farmers markets, concerts, and community days create opportunities for engagement and foster a sense of belonging. Recreation spaces provide safe places for children to play and for teenagers and seniors to gather. When communities feel connected and invested in their surroundings, civic pride grows and crime drops, leading to safer, more cohesive neighborhoods.
Climate Resilience
As extreme weather events become more frequent, green infrastructure can help cities adapt. Leafy trees provide cooling shade and reduce the urban heat island effect, which is particularly critical during summer heat waves. Wetlands and open green spaces slow and absorb stormwater, reducing the risk of flooding. And, unlike concrete and asphalt, which prevent water from permeating the ground, green infrastructure works with nature to manage excess water where it falls.
Cost-Effective Alternative to Gray Infrastructure
Traditional stormwater systems — so-called gray infrastructure like pipes, culverts, and treatment plants — are expensive to build and maintain. Green infrastructure often offers a more cost-effective solution. Features like permeable pavement, tree trenches, and bioswales manage stormwater naturally, reducing the burden on sewer systems and lowering the risk of combined sewer overflows (which can contaminate drinking water and cause illness). These solutions often cost less up front, save money long-term through reduced maintenance, and provide additional benefits like cleaner air and increased green space.
To see how one city is using green infrastructure as a cost-effective measure to meet local regulations, check out our case study of the Ewell Plaza Project in Lancaster, PA.
Green Investments Are Smart Investments
Creating and maintaining parks, recreation areas, and green infrastructure isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about building a better quality of life. From health and environmental benefits to economic growth and climate resilience, these investments provide a high return for both municipalities and their residents. Local governments that prioritize green infrastructure prepare their communities for the future by laying the foundation for stronger, healthier, and more connected places to live today.
If your township, county, or other municipality is exploring land planning initiatives, we’re here to help. The Flyway team has deep expertise in creating and restoring green spaces and can provide more information about how these projects benefit public health and economic vitality. Contact us here and let’s start the conversation.