What Should Be on Your Parks and Rec’s 2023 Budget?

Did you know that parks can have a huge impact on community health and well-being? Parks not only provide a space for citizens to go out and get fresh air, but specific programs can combat problems such as obesity, and they can also create a space for gatherings that can benefit the economy. When creating your park’s 2023 budget, keep in mind the problems in your community and the ways your park can help. With top-quality equipment from Zoom recreation, you can transform your park into an up lifting community hub that benefits everyone. Consider these ways a park can impact the community and what you need to add to achieve these goals:

 Stay in Shape

According to a report from the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA), nine out of 10 park and recreation agencies take specific action to ensure their health and wellness programs promote health equity. 84% of park and recreation agencies offer in-person health and fitness programs, while 72% of agencies offer virtual fitness programs. If your park doesn’t have fitness equipment, or if your equipment is broken, add new fitness equipment to your park’s 2023 budget. This will benefit those in your community who can’t afford a gym membership and will help ensure that every member of the community stays healthy and active. Having healthier community members will cut healthcare costs in the city, leaving the budget free to support other causes. Zoom Recreation offers fitness equipment including:

-         Sit-up bench

-         Balance beam

-         Chest press

-         Ladders

-         Pull-up bar

-         Cardio walker

 A Community Hub

Not only do parks provide a place for adults and children to be active, but they also provide a place for community interaction and social involvement. Young families with children get the opportunity to socialize as parents watch their children play. For seniors, parks offer the opportunity to get out of the house and meet new people. Adding playground benches and tables make your park into a space for adults as well as children. They give adults and children a place to rest, eat, socialize, study, and much more. With customized shades and shelters, these picnic areas can provide relief from the sun in the hot summer days while still allowing you to remain outside.

 Grow the Economy

By providing a green space in your community, you can attract young families who will help your city’s economy grow.  The park can function as a community hub for these families and can be a gathering space to host events such as craft markets which will help spur the local economy. An open green space next to the playground makes for the perfect space to host these events while children play. Synthetic turf provides the look of grass while saving time and money from maintenance.

 Promote Sustainability

A community park will help cut down on pollution in your city. With a safe place for children in walking distance from the home, parents will not have to drive their children around just to find somewhere to play. Less pollution will decrease negative health effects such as asthma. The park can also preserve the habitats of animals native to the area that might be under threat due to development. Adding trash cans to the park will encourage citizens to clean up after themselves and preserve the natural ecosystem of the park. Bike racks will motivate citizens who live father away to bike to the park instead of driving.

 The Bottom Line

Whether you want to add a new park to your community or spruce up the existing recreation areas, now is the time to think about your park’s budget for 2023. Consider the goals for the park and the desired impact on the community. Next, decide what equipment you need to ensure your park achieves these goals. This may include a playground, picnic tables, benches, shades, a synthetic ground, trash cans, and much more. The sooner you plan your budget, the sooner you will be on your way to creating amore sustainable and healthy community!

 Create the Perfect Park with Zoom Recreation!

Here at Zoom Recreation, not only do we sell playground and park equipment, but we will also help you build the park, from concept to installation. Give us a call at (866) 650-7685 or get in touch with us by filling out our contact form and start improving your community today!