We’re interested in knowing how you think your community does or could benefit from parks. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources discusses the benefits of parks to sustainable communities. They note that community parks are correlated with better health, less crime, greater social connections, and even increased test scores for school children. In addition, the benefits to the environment include a greater diversity of vegetation, flood control, air pollution filtration, and more available habitat (Sprajcar 2007).
The park around Children’s Lake in Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania is an excellent example of a park that contributes greatly to the sustainable nature of the community. The entire identity of Boiling Springs is centered around the lake and associated recreation. Children’s Lake has been a recreational attraction for well over 100 years. In the late nineteenth century, it was a day resort with amusement rides, canoe rentals, and a “Lover’s Walk.” A trolley line ran for the 17 miles from Harrisburg to bring people to the lake for the day. Today the Appalachian Trail is located along Children’s Lake and the Mid-Atlantic Appalachian Trail Conservancy is located on the lake. On any given day, you can find hikers, locals walking their dogs and playing with their children, and tourists visiting from the region.
We’re interested in hearing about the places that are special to you and how parks play a part in the sustainable nature of these places. Some of my favorite pictures of Children’s Lake are below, and additional pictures can be found on my Facebook page.
2007 Creating Sustainable Community Parks: A Guide to Improving Quality of Life by Protecting Natural Resources. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Harrisburg, PA.