On the surface, parks look like “nice to have” items on a municipal budget, but studies and experts say parks — along with hiking trails, open spaces, nature preserves and recreation centers — play a vital role in economic development and enhanced quality of life for taxpayers.
“We work really hard to make sure those park locations in the city system have a lot of activation and involvement from the surrounding community, so they become places that people value and build community,” said Andrea Moore, director of city of Mesa Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities. “That is definitely something that we’ve seen plays a critical role as businesses are evaluating whether to move into the city or where to locate in the city, not just for residents who are funding this, but it is also of great importance to economic development.”
