Lynnwood Parks play a vital role in the social, economic, environmental and physical well-being of all members of the Lynnwood community. COVID-19 has highlighted what has been true for many years: parks and recreation is vital to ensuring that all people — no matter their race, ethnicity, income, age, location or gender identity — thrive.
In the midst of COVID-19, a racial justice movement, growing economic pressures, health crises and devastating impacts of climate change, park and recreation professionals are continuing to serve their communities by maintaining essential infrastructure and providing innovative and vital programming.
Health: Since March 11, 2020, the day the World Health Organization declared coronavirus (COVID-19) a global pandemic, the essential services park and recreation agencies provide has only been magnified. Parks and open spaces encourage active lifestyle and improve individuals physical and mental health.
Environmental: Parks make cities more resilient. Parks and green spaces reduce the cost of capturing and storing rainwater, alleviate the “urban heat island effect” and lower city temperatures, and can offset flooding along ocean and river shorelines.
Economic: Local park and recreation agencies generated $166 billion in economic activity and supported more than 1.1 million jobs in 2017. Beyond the nationwide impact, NRPA’s report, The Economic Impact of Local Parks, shows the economic contribution of parks and recreation in the state-level too. The estimates of total economic impacts include the direct, indirect and induced effects of operations and capital spending by local park and recreation agencies.
Community Connections: Parks produce important social and community benefits, from making neighborhoods more livable to offering much-needed recreational opportunities for children and families. People say local parks are the common factor in developing stronger social ties with their neighbors.