There’s something almost magical about spending time outside. When people are given more opportunities to enjoy nature and breathe fresh air, they become happier, healthier individuals. Parks are dedicated spaces within your community that provide both kids and adults a safe space to play, gather, and socialize outside.

The mere existence of parks offers incredible advantages to the mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing of the surrounding community. However, with a few additional elements and new projects, community parks can make an even greater difference in your town or city. Here are a few community improvement project ideas which are sure to improve your community park.

FITNESS EQUIPMENT

Increasingly sedentary lifestyles have contributed to America’s obesity epidemic. Whether it’s children given little to no time for exercise due to an increased focus on academics or adults spending long hours at desk jobs, opportunities to exercise and stay active have become limited.

Not everyone has access to a gym where they can work out. However, community parks outfitted with fitness equipment encourage an overall healthier population, especially since everyone in the community has access to parks regardless of socioeconomic status.

Supplying community parks with pull-up bars, athletic fields leg lift loops, and more are simple, affordable improvements which provide hours of free and safe exercise for all members of the community.

INCLUSIVE AND ACCESSIBLE PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT

Rally your community members around a higher set of values by working together to build play environments where children of all ability levels and backgrounds can connect. Your park can be enjoyable for every child in your community, even those who have mobility or other challenges. Inclusive and handicap-accessible playground equipment benefits children on all levels. For those with challenges, accessible equipment allows them to play and be kids, just like everyone else. Even children without challenges benefit, as playing with those of different backgrounds and abilities encourages empathy and helps them develop social and emotional skills which will serve them throughout their lives.

SPACE FOR ENTERTAINMENT

Parks are the perfect spot for both private and public special events. From family gatherings to city events, nothing beats a park, especially when they’re strategically outfitted to include space for a variety of entertainment opportunities. Both kids and adults need places where they can play sports, gather with friends and family, go on a date, or relax.

While most community parks include shelters which protect picnickers from the elements, some additional features with entertainment potential include:

• Covered and open eating areas
• Barbecue pits
• Benches
• Athletic fields
• Gazebos
• Stages and theatrical venues
• And more

PARK MAINTENANCE

It’s the little things that set exceptional community parks apart. Small considerations like picking up litter, regular maintenance, and landscaping show the community that someone cares. As a result, more people spend their time in the local park, making it a cleaner, safer gathering space for the entire neighborhood.

While pruned bushes, cut grass, and manicured trees are a great start, careful consideration can also be given to the types of plants used. Low pollen varieties will be greatly appreciated come allergy season, providing a major health benefit.

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS

While parks have incredible potential to increase the health of the community, they also present an amazing opportunity to raise environmental awareness among locals both young and old.

For some urban community members, parks are the only place where they can truly appreciate natural beauty. So, why not provide helpful information by labeling plants and trees?

Your community park can be a central pillar in your city’s green efforts. While it’s always a good idea to have ample trash bins, recycling stations throughout the park which separate glass, plastic, and paper bring awareness to this critical issue. The park can also sponsor annual cleanup events for members of the community to come together and spruce up their corner of the world.

START IMPROVING YOUR COMMUNITY PARK TODAY

By implementing even one or two of these community park ideas , you’ll see immediate benefits to the overall health and happiness of those who have the privilege to enjoy this space. For help coming up with more projects to improve your community park, we invite you to contact Max Play. We’d be happy to brainstorm creative and innovative solutions to ensure your park is meeting its full potential. Request a quote today.