Taking regular walks in the parks can help you to live longer, reduce the risk of stress related diseases, and help you to keep a balance between work and play in your life. Parks and Nature Centers can benefit communities in many ways. Programs in the parks provide opportunities for families to recreate together, helping to build strong families, the foundation of a stronger society. Area schools can utilize parks as an outdoor classroom, helping students to learn how our environment functions. This includes family members attended nature and history programs offered by the Park District as well as school students attending environmental education programs.
Parks can provide a source of community pride.
Parks and green spaces bring beauty to an area while giving people satisfaction and improving their quality of life. The environmental benefits of parks include the preservation of native plants and wildlife diversity. Parks help to promote air, water, and soil quality. The economic benefits of Parks and Nature Centers include boosting the local economy by increasing property values in areas near parks and helping to attract businesses to locate in our area. Parks, Nature Centers, and Nature Preserves are often the catalyst for tourism, a growing sector of our economy.