August 15, 2018
Activities: Economic Development, Environment
Geography:
Demographics:
Annual ROI: 0.0%
Image source: ELGL
Cities have a hard time making a case to fund “periphery” items such as parks and recreation. Especially when it needs to be justified against more pressing needs such as public safety, education, and water supply.
But many cities are trying to include parks and public “greenspaces” as part of a community vibrancy strategy. And there appear to be significant economic and social benefits to doing so.
The recent surge in popularity of tactical urbanism demonstrates just how much impact the activation of boring, unused space can be.
To have that strategy, comprehensive planning needs to incorporate a community-wide greenspace plan, a transportation network (not wholly dependent on the automobile), and communication. Communication with citizens of all ages, communication amongst governmental departments (like planning, community development, parks), communication with local groups, and communication with the development community.
This approach can provide invaluable benefits to citizens and visitors alike, though at times those benefits may be overlooked or undersold. It is imperative that key staff members provide information and messaging to elected and appointed officials that articulates why. Also, they must look for creative solutions where possible, and help these officials see the possibilities.
The transformation of unused and forgotten space into vibrant, welcoming space can impact neighborhoods, safety, property values, community character, and help small businesses in close proximity. It can be a unifier. Let’s also not forget about the important contributions neighborhood gardens can make in this context.
To have that strategy, comprehensive planning needs to incorporate a community-wide greenspace plan, a transportation network (not wholly dependent on the automobile), and communication. Communication with citizens of all ages, communication amongst governmental departments (like planning, community development, parks), communication with local groups, and communication with the development community.
This approach can provide invaluable benefits to citizens and visitors alike, though at times those benefits may be overlooked or undersold. It is imperative that key staff members provide information and messaging to elected and appointed officials that articulates why. Also, they must look for creative solutions where possible, and help these officials see the possibilities.
The transformation of unused and forgotten space into vibrant, welcoming space can impact neighborhoods, safety, property values, community character, and help small businesses in close proximity. It can be a unifier. Let’s also not forget about the important contributions neighborhood gardens can make in this context.
This all sounds good in theory, but is there any evidence to prove such claims?
Project Evergreen cites the following economic benefits of improving public greenspaces:
Businesses benefit. Roadside Studies by the University of Washington stated that drivers indicated it was easier to locate roadside businesses when they were framed by trees and vegetation, rather than having this green material removed.
Parks improve property value. There is a significant link between the value of a property and its proximity to parks, greenbelts and other green spaces. Studies of three neighborhoods in Boulder, Colo. indicated that property values decreased by $4.20 for each foot away from a greenbelt.
Green space helps decrease air conditioning costs. Here are some useful references: According to the California Energy Commission: “Planting the correct trees, shrubs, vines and groundcover can make your home both warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. In fact, the right type of tree can reduce your summer cooling costs by 20 to 40 percent!” Computer models devised by the U.S. Department of Energy predict that the proper placement of only three trees will save an average household between $100 and $250 in energy costs annually. The cooling effect of an average size lawn is equal to about 9 tons of air conditioning.
Employment and tourism boost. Employment opportunities are associated with the creation and long term maintenance of urban open space, as well as tourism dollars of visitors from parks, gardens and civic areas.
Increases retail activity. Studies have proven that greenery and flowers attract shoppers and residents to urban areas…spurring economic growth.
Business growth. Small businesses choosing a new business location rank the amount of open space and proximity to parks and recreation as the number-one priority in site selection.
Protects drainage systems. The crown of a large tree is a freestanding anti-flood reservoir, in some cases intercepting so much rainfall that more than 1,500 gallons a year evaporates instead of hitting the ground. Chop down the tree, and you increase the volume of storm water a city must manage— something that especially affects older cities with aging drainage systems.
Parks improve property value. There is a significant link between the value of a property and its proximity to parks, greenbelts and other green spaces. Studies of three neighborhoods in Boulder, Colo. indicated that property values decreased by $4.20 for each foot away from a greenbelt.
Green space helps decrease air conditioning costs. Here are some useful references: According to the California Energy Commission: “Planting the correct trees, shrubs, vines and groundcover can make your home both warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. In fact, the right type of tree can reduce your summer cooling costs by 20 to 40 percent!” Computer models devised by the U.S. Department of Energy predict that the proper placement of only three trees will save an average household between $100 and $250 in energy costs annually. The cooling effect of an average size lawn is equal to about 9 tons of air conditioning.
Employment and tourism boost. Employment opportunities are associated with the creation and long term maintenance of urban open space, as well as tourism dollars of visitors from parks, gardens and civic areas.
Increases retail activity. Studies have proven that greenery and flowers attract shoppers and residents to urban areas…spurring economic growth.
Business growth. Small businesses choosing a new business location rank the amount of open space and proximity to parks and recreation as the number-one priority in site selection.
Protects drainage systems. The crown of a large tree is a freestanding anti-flood reservoir, in some cases intercepting so much rainfall that more than 1,500 gallons a year evaporates instead of hitting the ground. Chop down the tree, and you increase the volume of storm water a city must manage— something that especially affects older cities with aging drainage systems.
How does your city stack up?
An organization called ParkScore ranks all the major cities in the U.S. across various metrics to determine which ones have the best parks and greenspaces. See the full tool here.
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