Recreation Parks provide places for health and well-being that are accessible by persons of all ages and abilities. They provide gathering places for families and social groups, as well as for individuals of all ages and economic status.
Parks add value to communities that transcend the amount of money invested or the revenues gained from fees. They provide a sense of public pride and cohesion to every community. Access to parks and recreation opportunities has been strongly linked to reductions in crime and to reduced juvenile delinquency.
Additionally, parks are great places to teach children about the environment and the importance of preserving natural ecosystems. Ecosystems provide natural habitats for different animals, and trees that remove a wide variety of pollutants from the air.
The mental health benefits of parks go beyond the obvious. Direct exposure to nature has its own benefits on mental health, reducing stress and increasing happiness, and these effects take place almost immediately.
The National Parks, River and Beaches Authority manages and co-manages eleven recreation parks and sites, follow the link to decide which park you will visit.http://nationalparks.gov.vc/nationalparks/index.php/visitor-sites
