The Benefits of Parks and Recreation
Parks can be such a constant in our lives that we may not give them much thought unless you work for New Bern Parks and Recreation! However, our 4000 acres of parks and recreation facilities do not just happen on their own. They require care and support, both physical and financial, to keep them clean, safe and suitable to serve the city of New Bern.
HEALTH BENEFITS:
Access to parks and recreation facilities leads to healthy lifestyles for people of all ages! Strong evidence shows that when people have access to parks, they exercise more - and every time sedentary people walk a mile, they add 21 minutes to their life! On average, every hour you spend exercising increases your life expectancy by two hours. Additionally, a physical activity even increases the brain’s capacity for learning.
Click the articles below to go offsite and read more about Health Benefits of Parks and Recreation:
· Doctors Prescribing a Trip to the Park
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS:
Parks, open spaces and trails play a key role in preserving water and air quality, reducing congestion and protecting wildlife. Through the provision of parks, open spaces, and protected natural environment, recreation can contribute to the environmental health of our community.
COMMUNITY BENEFITS:
Parks are a tangible reflection of the quality of life in a community. They provide an identity for citizens and are a major factor in the perception of quality of life in a given community. Parks and recreation services are often cited as one of the most important factors in surveys of how livable communities are.
The New Bern Parks and Recreation contribute to New Bern’s vital identity. Well-maintained, accessible parks and recreation facilities are key elements of strong, safe, family-friendly communities like New Bern! When citizens get involved with their parks and recreation systems, their quality of life improves. Parks and recreation opportunities encourage citizens to be engaged in their communities – as volunteers, stewards, advocates, and students. Community recreation reduces alienation, loneliness, and anti-social behavior.
Our parks and recreation programs provide places for health and well-being that are accessible by persons of all ages and abilities. Parks have a value to communities that transcend the amount of dollars invested or the revenues gained from fees - we strive to help provide a sense of public pride and cohesion to all citizens of New Bern.
ECONOMIC BENEFITS:
Click the articles below to go offsite and read more about Economic Benefits of Parks and Recreation:
· "The Economic Benefits of Parks & Recreation" - Naturally Fun Magazine - Spring 2014, City of Arlington Parks and Recreation
