It might not be the hottest take, but it needs to be said—parks are not just for decoration. They are not extras. They are not just a nice place to walk your dog on a Sunday afternoon. Parks are essential parts of our cities and neighborhoods, and it is time we start treating them like it.
In Ann Arbor, people take parks for granted. The city has hundreds of parks within city limits, walk in any direction and you’ll find one.
Parks don’t just make things look nicer, though. They also have the power to uplift people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, spending time in parks and green spaces reduces stress and improves overall well-being. The American Psychological Association confirms that exposure to nature can lower anxiety and depression.
It is frustrating to see parks constantly undervalued. When cities face budget cuts, parks and recreation departments are among the first to take the hit. People assume parks are optional when they aren’t. Parks are where kids play and where adults find a moment of calm in a hectic world. They are where communities come together in ways that foster trust and cooperation. A study by the National Recreation and Park Association found that 83% of U.S. adults believe parks are essential to mental and physical health. Yet somehow, we treat these vital spaces like an afterthought.
Parks also contribute to public safety and community resilience. A report by “The Trust for Public Land” shows that residents living within a 10-minute walk of a park are more likely to be active and maintain better health. It is not a coincidence that neighborhoods with quality green spaces have lower rates of crime and higher community engagement. However, a serious problem remains. Low-income neighborhoods and communities of color are far less likely to have access to well-maintained parks. This lack of access is not an accident—it reflects deep-rooted inequality that affects health outcomes and quality of life instead.
Beyond physical and mental health, parks provide environmental benefits that cannot be ignored. Urban green spaces act as natural air filters. The Environmental Protection Agency notes that trees and plants in parks help reduce air pollution, which in turn lowers the risk of respiratory illnesses. Parks also help moderate temperatures in cities, lessening the urban heat island effect. In a world facing climate change and rising temperatures, parks serve as an essential defense for vulnerable communities.
Educational benefits from parks also deserve their spotlight. Outdoor spaces offer an informal classroom for both children and adults. They are places where people learn about ecology, sustainability and the importance of preserving natural resources. The American Academy of Pediatrics has emphasized that regular access to outdoor play is critical for childhood development: parks allow children to socialize, explore and develop creativity. For adults, parks provide a break from the same constant digital barrage and an opportunity to connect with nature on a level that no screen can replicate.
It is not enough for a city to have one flashy, Instagram-worthy park with a fancy fountain. The true measure of success lies in inaccessible, well-maintained green spaces that serve every member of the community. Not everyone has a backyard or the means to join an expensive gym, and everyone should have the right to a park that feels welcoming and safe. When cities ignore this, they fail in their most fundamental duty to provide for public health and community well-being.
City planners and local governments need to recognize that investing in parks is not a luxury expenditure. It is a critical investment in the health, safety and happiness of their citizens. A 2023 National Institute of Health study found that neighborhoods with abundant parks had on average lower healthcare costs. The return on investment is measured in improved mental health, stronger community bonds and a higher overall quality of life.
Critics may argue that funds are scarce and tough choices must be made, such as reducing the maintenance cost for parks. Yet, the irony is palpable when cuts to park budgets lead to higher long-term costs in healthcare and social services, a rise in chronic conditions and even lost productivity. If we as a society are serious about our well-being, we must view parks as an essential part of their infrastructure. Parks are more than just dispensable and disposable extras on a balance sheet. The long-term benefits of accessible green spaces far outweigh the short-term savings from budget cuts. It’s time to invest in parks, expand green spaces and ensure that every community has access to a safe, clean and welcoming outdoor area.
Parks are not asking for attention. They are not trending on social media. They are not making statements on national politics. They quietly do the work of making life better every day. They’re the unsung heroes of our urban landscapes, offering refuge from the chaos of modern life. Our children deserve to grow up with nature at their doorstep. Our adults deserve a place to relax, exercise, and find solace from the stresses of daily life. And our cities deserve to be built on the principles of health, equality, and sustainability.
