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3 City of Elk River - Parks and Recreation Master Plan <br />Property Values <br />As studies have shown, proximity to parks has a positive impact on property values. <br />For instance, researchers found that in Washington County, Minnesota, property <br />owners realized a $16,750 “open space premium” for single family houses located <br />near parks and open space (Moscowitz, 2007). <br />Beauty <br />Parks are the “front yard” of a community. Visitors remember a place by its natural <br />areas, parks, parkways, beaches, public art, and athletic fields. These elements also <br />result in a high quality of life and a beautiful place to live for residents. <br />A Place for People <br />In a time when social media defines the interactions of many people, parks <br />and recreation are a place to meet face-to-face, catch up with family members <br />and friends, and feel like part of the larger community. As the focal point of <br />neighborhoods, parks help residents develop connections to each other while also <br />providing venues for other community-building gatherings like farmers markets, <br />school trips, and festivals. <br />Natural Value/Environmental Benefits <br />Savannas, prairies, forests, and wetlands all improve air and water quality while <br />providing habitat for diverse species of plants and animals. Sound management <br />of natural areas can reduce the prevalence of invasive species and improve <br />environmental outcomes for neighboring properties. <br />Community Health <br />Recreation programs offer lifelong learning opportunities. These programs <br />provide enjoyable learning activities for youth and help keep seniors active and <br />connected. Recreation programs also provide youth with positive role models <br />and offer after-school and out-of-school activities for children of working parents. <br />Family Development <br />One of the main reasons people go to parks is to spend time with family and <br />friends, and trail users have also stated that they enjoy the opportunity trails <br />provide to spend active time with their families. Throughout the master plan <br />process parents spoke of the value and importance of spending afternoons with <br />their children at playgrounds, skating rinks, and the beach. Parks and recreation <br />are a great venue for families to spend time with one another and grow together. <br />Page 71 of 240