The main purpose of local governments is to serve their jurisdictions, providing residents with the services they need and addressing overarching problems. This includes everything from public safety to infrastructure planning to community services and programming.
Although each city’s needs will vary based on those that make up the community demographics, there are a few high-level priorities that many local governments should be consistently prioritizing. For 2025, these include playgrounds, parks, and public health. Read on to learn about the importance of these three “p’s” and what they provide to their constituents.
Playgrounds
Playgrounds offer several advantages to children and families alike. By promoting physical activity and encouraging social interaction, playgrounds act as a gathering place for community residents and visitors. Playgrounds are a vital component of a city’s vibrancy, which is why local governments should continue to prioritize them in 2025.
Cultivate Physical and Cognitive Development
At their core, playgrounds improve children’s physical and cognitive development. New playground equipment is designed to challenge little ones as they navigate and maneuver their way through different obstacles. Whether they are gripping onto stones to climb to the top of a tower or propelling down twisty slides, children are stretching their capabilities while gaining newfound confidence.
In terms of cognitive development, children learn how to problem-solve and think quickly. They must decide, for instance, if they’re up for following their friends through the lengthy dark tunnel to get to the other side of the play area or if they’d rather jump off the structure and walk to the other side. Over time, children begin to build their confidence levels and see just what they can achieve. Sometimes this means mimicking other children and following their lead, and sometimes it means finding a new alternate route and sticking with their decisions.
Foster Socialization
Playgrounds are considered “third spaces,” public spaces outside of the home or office that build connection and interaction with others. Third spaces are vital to communities as they bring people together organically while encouraging residents from different walks of life. Gyms, churches, and bars serve as third places for adults; for children, after-school programs, public libraries, and playgrounds provide similar opportunities. These meeting places foster socialization for both children while they play, and their onlooking parents or guardians.
Socialization is an important component for all communities. It strengthens bonds, integrates individuals, and passes on cultural or ethnic traditions. When children socialize, they learn how to speak nicely to each other, share, and take turns. They recognize when someone is feeling upset and can offer their emotional support. Children will carry these learned traits with them as they mature and grow into amicable adults.
Parks
Similar to playgrounds, the benefits of parks to local communities are plentiful. First of all, they provide a safe and well-maintained space for families and residents to gather. This strengthens bonds within the community and also enhances property values. Here’s a more detailed look at the reason why local governments are spearheading the charge for more parks.
Add Natural Element to Neighborhoods
The desire for green space isn’t new. Central Park was created in the mid-1850s in response to the desire for a large public green space in urban Manhattan. More than 175 years later, the 843-acre park has maintained its presence as one of the most renowned gathering spaces in the world. New York City citizens and visitors alike head to the park every day to take in its beauty and
The Big Apple is a prime example of a congested area where land is limited. While it’s all too easy to think of the benefits of adding another big box store to the neighborhood, it’s also important to bring in natural elements. Nature has a calming effect, promoting peace and tranquility. So, although another retail store may be interested in the available land and space, local governments may be more incentivized to build a community park instead.
Encourage Health and Wellness
Another advantage of parks is that they promote health and wellness for everyone. Access to public green space allows residents to engage in recreational activities. Children’s or adult soccer leagues or softball teams can meet and play at a park. Additionally, parks also incentivize residents to walk, jog, or cycle. Neighbors can meet in the park to go for a morning walk after they drop off their kids at school. Or nannies and babysitters can organize play dates for the little ones they watch during the day.
Through the promotion of parks, local governments are putting a stake in the current health epidemic. With 74% of U.S. adults considered overweight or obese, there is a real need for governments to step in and pave the way for a healthier future. Parks are one step in the right direction in terms of encouraging physical fitness and creating opportunities for wellness.
Boost Quality of Life
A happy community benefits everyone, and parks are a vital way to enhance residents’ quality of life. By fostering a sense of belonging and connection, parks unite people and create a sense of togetherness. A strong sense of community means that residents feel they are part of something bigger. This is especially important for new residents seeking to feel welcome and engaged in the broader community.
A massive disease outbreak isn’t only bad for those impacted, but for numerous sectors across the population as well. Hospitals and health care providers become strained and have to spend money to bring in additional supplies and resources. Hospitals and emergency room visits are expensive, as are long-term care and rehabilitation services.
Furthermore, parks are a significant attraction for potential residents searching for a new place to call home. The presence of a public park that accommodates various recreational activities can motivate individuals to seek nearby homes for sale or rent. Parks indicate that the community is committed to social interaction, recreation, and overall well-being. These three pillars boost the quality of life of all residents, those who have lived in the area for decades, and those just starting to build their lives there. Public Health The health of a city’s citizens is of utmost importance. When people are healthy, they engage in social events and activities within their community, which boosts the local economy. They shop more and spend their money at coffee shops, cafes, and restaurants. They visit entertainment venues, such as movie theaters, and invite friends over on weekends. Essentially, healthy citizens contribute to a more prosperous economy and a vibrant population, which is a major reason why local governments prioritize public health. Here are a few additional reasons why government officials are so keen on keeping everyone in their jurisdictions as healthy as possible.
Offset Negative Economic Impacts
Also, severe widespread illness can impact the workforce population as a whole. Employees who are ill will need to miss work, causing others to pick up their shifts or fill in for their roles. This can quickly lead to burnout and strain on the remaining workers, causing stress and anxiety.
These scenarios were evident during the COVID-19 crisis, marked by business closures, job losses, and strains on state and local government finances. In addition to informing and alleviating citizens’ fears, local governments were responsible for supporting businesses and ensuring that protocols were implemented as smoothly as possible. Necessary changes and new regulations resulted in increased costs for businesses and agencies, a challenge compounded by lost revenue and supply chain disruptions.
Promote Well-Being
Healthy populations are productive populations and happy populations, too. Local governments that prioritize public health initiatives are thereby prioritizing their residents’ well-being. The overall well-being of the city, town, or municipality is a direct reflection of the types of wellness initiatives made available. For instance, a YMCA and low-cost recreational activities (in addition to playgrounds and parks!) ensure that citizens can participate regardless of their economic backgrounds.
Another component of well-being is education. Unfortunately, many are unaware of the necessity of taking care of themselves or are simply uninformed about the importance of healthy living. Public consultations and workshops are a great way to get the message out about healthy living habits and practices. Weekly farmer’s market demos, in addition to public health informational activations, can be a great way to keep the community informed and engaged.
From a design perspective, cities built with their citizens’ active needs in mind can also facilitate healthier habits. For instance, installing safe bike lanes along roads can encourage citizens to cycle to and from work as opposed to commuting by car. Compostable bins persuade residents to think twice about throwing out their garbage and think about what they can do to reduce food waste. While these actions may seem small, they add up over time to help create a thriving, well-rounded community.
Conclusion
Playgrounds, public parks, and public health are vital to today’s population. From promoting physical and cognitive development to boosting overall health and well-being, these tactics serve multiple purposes across various generations. Local governments that prioritize these three initiatives are taking care of their current residents in addition to the future generations they may serve.
