According to the National Recreation & Parks Association, people often need to be reminded of how vital parks and recreation are to the quality of their lives. While play, fun, and happiness are vital to growth and development, the expanded role of public parks and recreation is more critical than ever.  Whether we know it or not, programs, services, events and opportunities offered by recreation agencies positively impact lives and society as a whole because of the many benefits they provide. 

The benefits of Parks & Recreation have been organized into four major categories: Individual, Community, Economy and Environment. Within each category are specific benefits, many of which have been listed here to highlight some of the ways parks and recreation work for you, your neighbors, your kids and your community!

Benefits to the Individual Parks and recreation help us: be happier relax conquer boredom feel great lose weight build strong bodies build self-esteem reduce stress meet friends eliminate loneliness enhance relationship skills learn vital life skills live longer improve the quality of our lives diminish chance of disease

Benefits to the Economy Parks and recreation: Attract new businesses Increase tourism Boost the economy Lower health care costs Decrease Insurance premiums Reduce unemployment

Benefits to the Environment Parks and recreation: Provide clean air and water Protect the environment

Benefits to the Community Parks and recreation: Build family unity Provide child care Promote sensitivity to cultural diversity Increase community pride Reduce crime Boost employee productivity Increase property value Curb employee absenteeism Strengthen neighborhood involvement Provide safe places to play Educate children and adults

Resource: Ohio Parks and Recreation's website and Advisors Marketing Group