Emma Radebaugh
Parks are essential to our communities, as they serve seemingly countless purposes. Because we utilize parks for a variety of reasons, our duty is to keep them as clean as possible. We highlight the importance of keeping parks clean for future visitors.
Conserving Green Space
Inaccessible to those who want to construct homes or commercial buildings, parks play an important role in protecting open land. They contribute to improved air and water quality, and they’re essential habitats for wildlife. These green spaces are also attractive to nearby residents, and they can encourage new residents or even tourists to come to your neighborhood. To ensure that people can continue to enjoy parks, we must make sure they remain accessible and inviting. Unfortunately, when people don’t properly dispose of their trash, parks can lose their appeal. Doing your part to leave parks in better condition is important.
Fostering Better Health
A park is a place for people to connect with nature, spend time with friends, and play outside with family. Neighborhoods need parks in order to increase intercommunity engagement, which can improve residents’ mental and physical health. However, the actions of people who choose to disrupt parks can negatively impact the experience of genuinely excited visitors.
Maintaining Safety
Parks encourage safer neighborhoods. By presenting children with opportunities to spend time outdoors, they prevent antisocial behavior and crime. But something that doesn’t contribute to the community’s safety is litter. Roughly 75% of people have admitted to littering at some point during the past five years. Litter doesn’t just attract pests; it’s also a tripping hazard to both adults and children. Additionally, parks that aren’t well-maintained can pose choking hazards, such as small playground parts. People should feel safe from accidental injury or crime when using community facilities.
Positively Impacting the Economy
Beautiful parks can increase municipal revenue and property values. When residents don’t do their part, more tax dollars must go toward park cleanup instead of other necessary improvements. For both businesses and individuals to benefit from these green spaces, the community must recognize the importance of keeping parks clean.
