Urban Parks

Urban parks have a beneficial role, and this has been proven by studies. Residents can experience nature closer to home, and at the same time reduce visitors stress and at the same time improve their moods thus allowing for relaxation. Parks help to build social relationships and increase a sense of community while maintaining cohesion and pride in the community. Feda et al (2015) explains that parks help reduce stress and depression among adolescents (Feda et al, 2015, p.635). It has also been proven that parks can improve interracial relations and therefore improve the overall relationships between individuals of different personalities and backgrounds (Harnik& Crompton, 2014, p.189). It has been determined that park visitation is linked to physical health benefits and contributes to the overall wellness of the individual.

Parks have also revealed economic and environmental benefits such as increased property values as well as ecological purification (Moore & Lynch, 2015, p.332). Parks can help improve spiritual well-being, overall health as well as social well being (Moore & Lynch, p.333). Through parks, there is a sense of cultural assimilation as well as family

Since parks are overwhelming public spaces, they are primarily paid for by federal taxes. Therefore, elected officials are expected to evaluate support for park services against support of other services. Elected officials have a mandate to invest the public resources in addressing critical issues of concern to the community residents (Harnik & Crompton, 2014, p.196). Parks accrue revenues from direct spending of park users, and this has a positive economic impact. The city council uses a part of these funds to subsidize tourism events as well as promotions, activities, and facilities which attract out of town visitors who spend money in the local community.