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Park and recreation agencies play an important role in preserving natural resources and promoting sustainability. From creating and managing protected areas to initiating environmental conservation education awareness programs, these agencies are dedicated to preserving our environment for future generations. Creating policies and procedures that promote sustainability and preserving the ecosystems of our parks and recreational areas are essential for maintaining nature for us to enjoy and preventing further damage to our natural resources.

Park and recreation agencies are increasingly focusing on sustainable practices in order to benefit both the environment and their local communities. Sustainable practices are “economic, social and environmental benefits” practices that, when implemented, “contribute to community livability, sustainability and resiliency.”

By incorporating sustainable practices into parks and recreation, agencies can reduce their carbon footprint and emissions, conserve resources and reduce waste. Additionally, these practices can lead to improved public health through increased access to clean air, green space and improved water quality. Furthermore, park and recreation agencies also can benefit economically from sustainable practices. By utilizing green infrastructure — such as rain gardens, green roofs and bioswales — agencies can reduce their long-term maintenance costs, as well as their reliance on energy sources like fossil fuels. Additionally, by creating green jobs and providing employment opportunities, these agencies can further their economic sustainability. Finally, these agencies also can contribute to social sustainability by creating strong community ties and fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. By implementing sustainable practices in their parks and recreation spaces, these organizations can benefit both the environment and their local communities.

Preservation

By preserving natural resources, park and recreation agencies can provide an array of green space in a city landscape, offering a safe haven for both wildlife and people. This green space also provides a place for community members to enjoy outdoor activities, as well as a place to appreciate the beauty of nature. Furthermore, the preservation of natural resources helps to ensure park and recreation agencies can continue to offer a variety of outdoor activities — such as hiking, camping and fishing — for generations to come.

Sustainability

By incorporating sustainability into their operations, park and recreation agencies can reduce their environmental impact, conserve resources and create more efficient and cost-effective operations. This will benefit not only the agency, but also the environment, as it will reduce the amount of pollution and waste produced by the agency. Moreover, sustainability practices can help to decrease the agency’s overall costs, allowing for more money to be allocated to other areas of the agency’s operations.

By preserving natural resources, park and recreation agencies can provide a variety of outdoor activities for people to enjoy. Sustainability practices can help to reduce the agency’s environmental impact and create more cost-effective programs and events. Overall, the preservation and sustainability of park and recreation agencies are essential to their long-term success.

Colton Patak is Program Supervisor at City of Mason Parks and Recreation.