American communities are evolving from their basic utilitarian roots into something more — a 360-degree place to live, work, and play. Communities can jumpstart their growth by investing in family-friendly spaces that support multiple strategic growth goals. By providing spaces for all-ages gatherings, a community can be more inclusive and welcoming for all.
1. Growing Property Values
Communities that prioritize public spaces add visual appeal and welcome structure to community planning. Instead of main streets filled with flashy signage, communities that integrate green space, parks, and play structures look happier.
When families search for a new home, they look for family-friendly outdoor spaces, especially those available at no cost. Wide walking paths, which can accommodate strollers, a pack of bicycles, and running kids, welcome play. When a community boasts more than just houses and roads, buyers get more and, often, pay more too.
Outfit public parks with commercial playground equipment that can stand up to the demands of enthusiastic play. Incorporate accessible play components so everyone can have a chance to play, which also improves community equity. Include educational components that spark kids’ imagination, use natural elements to blend into the environment, and install play spaces widely.
Create flexible spaces that can accommodate an impromptu game of frisbee just as easily as a farmers’ market. Install lighting, natural drainage structures, and native landscaping to be both beautiful, low-maintenance, and flexible. Update zoning and permitting requirements to make using these spaces safe, simple, and frequent. When you do, you’ll increase area property values and quality of life.
2. Stronger Social Bonds and Less Crime
A community’s quality of life is an important wellbeing marker and family-friendly public spaces can support and strengthen it. With designated spaces for community gatherings, residents can enjoy a safe place to come together. Without reliance on paid-access clubs or recreation centers, everyone can enjoy a well-maintained and safe environment.
By structuring these spaces as public, people from all walks of life can gather together, encouraging new connections. People from different cultures, backgrounds, and socioeconomic backgrounds meld together on the playground, increasing empathy, understanding, and social bonds.
The same open gathering spaces can be the host of a cultural festival, encouraging everyone to enjoy and celebrate. Festival hosts can share favorite foods, customs, and beliefs with the masses, honoring their culture and sparking acceptance.
Well-designed spaces encourage interaction, like a thrilling playground set, complete with a lookout tower. Include seating options for caregivers, restrooms, and water fountains to keep the play and the conversations going. A vibrant green space can also reduce crime by providing kids a place to play instead of seeking excitement elsewhere.
3. Thriving Local Businesses
Businesses need a strong driver for patrons to respond to and family-friendly public spaces can be their Pied Piper. Draw new business into adjacent shops with a public playground, park, or pavilion. When patrons are busy playing nearby, they’re more likely to stop in and check out a shop they’d otherwise forget.
The existence of public spaces can also give a boost to commercial leasing spaces, offering a captive audience nearby. A gourmet popsicle shop would thrive next to a fun-filled playground, offering sweet treats after a day at play.
Businesses that don’t directly serve outdoor space patrons can benefit, too. When a community offers amenities that serve families, the economic benefit trickles down to all. Insurance agents have more families to serve, restaurants have more mouths to feed, and a family-friendly community attracts visitors.
4. Attract Tourism and Event Interest
If you build something fun, the tourists, and their tourism dollars, will come. Many communities have found themselves on the top of the list for festivals and events, and for good reason: They make great hosts.
Bolster your community’s economic status by carving out a niche in the tourism space. You might build out your community playgrounds in pursuit of being the go-to weekend destination for families. Outfit some with water features and now your community can be the summer hotspot for residents and visitors.
Use your open space as a blank canvas for a summer concert series, and invite promoters to tour your community. Position your community as one welcoming events and collaborate with your tourism office to package your offer. Outline the permit requirements and expectations for event organizers so they can decide if it’s a good fit. This approach can reduce the guesswork for organizers and increase your success rate.
Events bring in outside dollars to hotels and restaurants, but they also support fringe businesses too. Boutiques, gas stations, and specialty shops located near event spaces can benefit from visitor dollars. Find your community’s event niche and collaborate with local businesses to be welcoming to visitors eager to enjoy your community.
Make Play a Cornerstone of Your Community
Investing in family-friendly spaces means there’s a place for everyone and for all time. Families grow, shift, change, and, of course, age, meaning flexible spaces that suit everyone are a wise investment.
Build adventurous playgrounds nestled in public settings with options for all ages and abilities. Encourage and even require developers to allot space for public access and play, ingraining family-friendly infrastructure into your community culture. When you build a welcoming, family-friendly community, you’ll create a thriving economy where everyone has a place to call home.