James Corner of the landscape architecture firm Field Operations pens a piece for Forbes magazine urging a larger investment in city parks. Other than citing the environmental values and other benefits, Corner mentions the economic return they can have:
Less well-known is the power of parks to generate revenue and stimulate local economic growth. New, well-designed parks focus private investment in marginal areas and catalyze revitalization. They stimulate adjacent real estate markets and attract visitors, restaurants, commerce, street life and safety.
By making life interesting, parks help cities and towns attract and cultivate a talented workforce, boost civic pride and participation, and create a richer cultural scene, all of which are good for business.
Filed under: economics
