Over the years, numerous studies have been conducted on the effects of leisure time, participation in sports, parks and open spaces. Saying that the "Benefits of Parks and Recreation are Endless" is one thing but proving it with measurable results is another. What follows is a small sample of the results from those numerous studies that prove without question that...You owe it to yourself, your family and your community to Discover the Benefits of Parks & Recreation

Individual Benefits
For each additional mile walked or run by a sedentary person adds an extra 21 minutes to his/her life. This would save U.S. society an average of 34 cents per mile in medical and other costs. (RAND Corporation,1993)

A recent study of psychologists found that pleasant events such as dinner with friends or a weekend hike in the woods gave a boost to the immune system that lasted two to three days. (Sachs and Segal. "Mind and Body," New Woman, December 1994, p.50.)

Approximately 66,000 deaths annually could be prevented through regular physical exercise.

Recreation brings meaning, purpose and pleasure to people's lives. It contributes to both the years in one's life as well as the life in those years.

"The incidence of juvenile delinquency can be reduced through public recreation programs and activities designed to provide youth with social skills, enhance self-esteem, and encourage the constructive uses of discretionary time." (Excerpt from 1992 Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act)

Family & Community Benefits
People who are socially involved are two to five times less likely to suffer from heart disease. (Club Industry, October 1995)

Regular volunteer work more than any other activity increases life expectancy. (Rockefeller, Growalk, and Loks, 1988 cited by Godbey in "Justifying Recreation and Parks to Decision Makers" in Trends, V. 30, 11/4/93)

Families that recreate together report greater stability and satisfaction.

Recreation provides people of differing cultures with a sense of community and an opportunity for those from differing ethnic backgrounds to interact.

Two Schaumburg neighborhoods experienced a drop in juvenile crime by 70% as a direct result of the Schaumburg Park District's L.A.T.E.R. Program, a joint effort between Schaumburg Police and the Park District to serve at-risk youth.

Environmental Benefits
It has been determined that in a city environment every tree is worth $275 in benefits each year due to reductions in air-conditioning costs, erosion control, wildlife protection, and air pollution control. (Florida Department of Natural Resources)

Visits to local, regional and national parks exceed 1 billion annually.

People recuperate faster from stress when exposed to a natural environment as opposed to an urban setting.

Economic Benefits
The nation could save $20 billion per year in the United States if every sedentary American walked an hour a day according to a study conducted by Brown University. (As reported in "One Small Step for Mankind" in The Hartford Advocate, 10/12/95, p. 23.)

Illinois park, forest preserve and conservation districts contribute more than $3.1 billion annually to our state's economy.

Trees in cities are particularly valuable in breaking up "heat islands" by providing shade to homes, buildings, streets, and parking lots. Research has shown that trees can lower peak energy demands in urban areas by 20 to 40 percent. For every child who participates in local dance programs, $500 is spent on supplies.