Plan Benefits of parks and recreation Everyone within Chatham County participates in some type of recreation. Whether it be a long walk around a community park, playing in a competitive softball game or just watching from the stands, recreation within the County is very important. Simply put, parks and recreation programs and facilities improve the quality of life for Chatham County citizens. This includes improved physical and mental health as citizens participate in activities throughout the County.
Participants also benefit from wellness-related programs and activities for all ages.
Recreation also helps to bring communities and families together as they participate in community wide events and festivals. In addition, parks help to protect the environment by preserving open space and creating greenways along rivers. Another very important contribution is within the local economy by helping to bring in new businesses, increasing tourism and contributing to the associated economic markets related to parks and recreation. For example, a small investment in recreation will act as a seed for increased economic growth through the purchase of support equipment, supplies, lodging, travel and many other associated expenses. However if Chatham County is going to keep up with the increase in population and growth that is occurring, the programs, land and other resources necessary to provide these valued services should continue to be acquired and planned for.