Everyone Reaps the Reward of Robust Public Parks and Recreation

Imagine this with me for a moment. The school year ends. Children wake up to a warm summer day—only to find their neighborhood pool locked, summer camps canceled, ball fields quiet, parks overgrown, sidewalks crumbling, and not a single community activity in sight. Wildlife is too close for comfort, drawn in by neglected infrastructure. What happens next?

Does that community attract new families or businesses? Would current residents feel a sense of pride or connection? Would you even call it a community?

Parks and Recreation's Impact on Kansas Communities
Across Kansas, summer brings an expectation of joy—families at the pool, kids at camp, residents exploring trails and gathering at festivals. Parks and recreation are so deeply embedded in our daily lives that it’s hard to picture life without them.

But it’s not just about summer. Parks and recreation departments are now year-round operations. From preschool enrichment and senior services to special events, adaptive programming, trail maintenance, nature centers, dog parks, museums, and more—these services provide year-round quality of life for every age and ability.

Parks and Recreation's Impact on Public Health
As communities face rising health care costs, parks and recreation offer one of the most cost-effective solutions to promote wellness. These services provide inclusive access to fitness, nature, creative expression, and social connection—all key to physical and mental health. They are often the most affordable (and accessible) health resource available in any city.

Quality of Life and Economic Driver
Well-maintained parks, quality facilities, and inclusive recreation programs don’t just improve quality of life—they drive local economies. A vibrant parks and recreation department can attract new residents, retain current ones, and support local businesses.

In fact, open spaces, festivals, trails, sports tournaments, and cultural programming create a unique identity and vitality for communities. These benefits cut across demographics, making a lasting impact regardless of income, ethnicity, or age.

The Economics of Parks
Some benefits defy easy measurement—like the peace found on a nature trail—but others are crystal clear. Parks increase nearby property values and raise tax revenues. Studies show properties within 500 feet of a park see an average 5% boost in value.

Parks also lower infrastructure costs by managing stormwater and improving air quality—reducing the financial burden of public health and environmental care. When it comes to return on investment, few community services rival public parks and recreation.

Festivals and Sports: Community and Commerce
Large-scale events are more than fun—they’re economic engines. In Shawnee County, sports tournaments generated $7 million annually in local economic activity. In Lenexa, their parks and recreation department hosts 12 major festivals and around 40 special events each year bringing in over 100,000 attendees throughout these events. They work with an average of 125 community partners (businesses and local organizations) per year to promote their businesses and encourage relationship-building between attendees and their partners. Reser’s Fine Foods have been a proud sponsor of the Great Lenexa BBQ Battle since 2012. “We have a great partnership that not only benefits the community but also fits our marketing program and helps us engage the public to enhance our brand recognition. We couldn’t ask for a better fit and a community to engage with,” said Tim Marby, Regional Sales Manager. These events and festivals not only support the local community, but they bring exposure and marketing opportunities for your city. 

Aquatics and Destination Appeal
Tourism continues to play a growing role in community development—and aquatic centers often lead the charge. Garden Rapids at the Big Pool in Garden City exemplifies this. With its cutting-edge attractions (including the U.S. debut of FlyTyme and SlipStream slides), the center became a regional draw, revitalizing water recreation while winning international acclaim.

The Arts and Culture Frontier
Parks and recreation are now creating powerful bridges to arts and culture. The Hubbard Arts Center in Derby offers culinary arts, dance, digital media, visual art, and more—engaging over 24,000 participants since opening in 2020. Programs like these reduce isolation, foster creativity, and deepen community bonds—while also contributing to the local economy through job creation and spending.

Celebrate the Professionals Behind It All
None of these services happen without skilled, passionate professionals. On July 18, 2025, we invite you to join us for Parks and Recreation Professional Day. Kansas is home to 150 Certified Park and Recreation Professionals (CPRP/CPRE), 129 Certified Playground Safety Inspectors (CPSI), and 335 Certified Aquatic Facility Operators (AFO). Their work makes our communities safer, healthier, more connected—and more fun. 

Show your appreciation with a note of thanks, a public recognition event, or a local celebration. Invite city leaders to join in, highlight your staff’s accomplishments, and share your stories online using the hashtag #ksparkrecday. Learn more at www.krpa.org/parkrecday. Let’s honor the people who keep Kansas robust—every day, every season, every community.