Whether located in urban or rural settings, public parks are commonplace in today’s society. However, while the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) has established access to such spaces a basic human right, the conditions of each park often varies. While upgrading pre-existing parks is easy to overlook or put on the back burner, the benefits that such recreational spaces offer justify the investment of each municipality’s resources.
The opportunities that community parks present are responsible for their initial implementation across Canada. According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, the concept of public parks was adopted in the 1800s as a solution to perceived and proven physical and mental ailments as well as low property values. In present-day society, such spaces continue to provide opportunities for fresh air and individual exercise, community gatherings, athletic competitions, and more. Without access to properly maintained parks, however, the ability to safely carry out these activities to their full potential may prove challenging.