Parks are a critical community asset for physical and mental health (the
physical activity, fresh air, and personal reflection), protection of the
environment (they provide a place for our urban canopy, wildlife and
stormwater detention), public safety (studies show that active parks have a
direct correlation to lower crime–more eyes on the street), and community
bonding (parks are a space where the community comes together). I have
binders of data available for my fellow park geeks.