Green River is recognized nationally and locally for outstanding parks and recreational opportunities. The employees and volunteers in the department take great pride in Green River evidenced by outstanding programs and spaces provided to the community.
Parks and recreation is often viewed as a nice amenity contributing to the overall quality of life but not an essential service. Parks and recreation is more than just an amenity, it provides vital and essential services to community. To name just a few, parks and recreation provides economic development, community health, public safety, and numerous social benefits.
In Green River we are fortunate nearly all residences are located a half mile or less from parkland. Scholarly studies have demonstrated homes neighboring parks have higher values. This not only increases wealth but also increases the tax base. The parks and recreation system has an enormous economic impact on local business by attracting visitors from out of town. Most major events in Green River occur in parks including Flaming George Days, Riverfest, the Crystal Classic, athletic events at the ball fields, and the Thoman Wrestling Tournament at the Recreation Center. These are just a few examples of Parks and Recreation system attracting tourism to our community. Parks and recreation also contributes to a strong workforce by providing places to improve health and fitness. In addition, many people in Green River’s workforce gain their first work experience in parks and recreation as lifeguards, summer labor help, gym supervisors, etc.
The Green River is the name sake and jewel of our city. While the river is beautiful, it can also be deadly. Drowning ranks second as a cause of death from unintentional injury in children ages 1 to 14. Swim lessons are offered year round at the Recreation Center to increase public safety. Access to public parks and recreational facilities has been strongly linked to reductions in crime, in particular reduced juvenile delinquency. Youth sports, after school care, summer day camp and skate nights are just a few of our programs that give youth opportunities to focus on positive activities and stay out of trouble.
America’s obesity problem and associated health and economic consequences are well documented. Overwhelming evidence suggests when people have access to parks and recreational facilities, they exercise more. Even if you are not a regular visitor to the recreation center you can enjoy a walk on the greenbelt, play with your kids at a park, or get out into open spaces. Parks and Recreation directly combats health issues and rising health care costs that face us today. In addition to the physical benefits, the social and mental benefits are many. These benefits are hard to quantify but think of the important moments you have experienced in parks; a family gathering, a walk along the river, a wedding at the Island Pavilion, or a stress relieving workout at the recreation center.
We enjoy an excellent parks and recreation system in Green River. There is also room for improvement. These are just a few examples in which Parks and Recreation serves as more than an amenity providing necessary services to the community. Try and imagine our community without all of our parks, pathways, and recreation programs, it wouldn’t be much of a community without them.
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