March 2024 - Parks and Recreation - 14

WE ARE PARKS AND RECREATION
Sustainability in Recreation and Parks:
Building a Better Future
By David M. Pearlman, Ph.D., CHE, CHIA
T
he environmental impact of everyday tools and activities is astounding.
For instance, a leaf blower emits 300 times more pollutants
than a pickup truck (tinyurl.com/25pe78nx), and an hour
of using a gas-powered mower equals driving 100 miles (tinyurl.
com/43fkjhuw). The water demand for a grass football field is massive,
guzzling as much as 100,000 gallons per week (tinyurl.com/58vk77ek).
These figures vividly illustrate our environmental footprint. Moreover, National
Park Service (NPS) units generate 80 million pounds of solid waste
annually (tinyurl.com/mvanzbeb), while the U.S. recycling rate sits at just
32 percent, leading to more than $7 billion worth of recyclable materials
wasted (tinyurl.com/2k99rvpx).
Sustainability has become a central focus
within park and recreation departments.
The concept of sustainability
arose in the 1970s, born from concerns
about the environmental consequences
of urban development. It
encompasses responsible resource
management
well-being
for
of the
the
ational spaces. Emphasizing green
infrastructure, resilient communities
manage stormwater, mitigate
flooding and improve water quality,
ensuring public access to outdoor
activities for urban well-being.
This integration marks a pivotal
era, prioritizing environmental
responsibility, resilience and community
well-being. It's crucial for
preserving natural resources, combating
climate change and safeguarding
ecosystems. Urban parks,
acting as vital " lungs, " absorb carbon
dioxide and promote community
health through physical activity,
reducing
long-term
environment,
society
and the economy. Within
park and recreation departments,
sustainability has become a central
focus, reshaping urban landscapes
and enriching local communities.
NRPA actively fosters resilient
communities by integrating
tainability
susinto
parks and recresedentary
lifestyles
and enhancing mental well-being.
Sustainably designed parks exhibit
robust resilience in addressing
environmental challenges, serving
as crucial hubs during emergencies
and boosting urban resilience. Economically,
they attract visitors, enhance
local tourism, generate revenue
through events and improve
residents' quality of life. They also
serve as educational resources, promoting
awareness about environ14
Parks & Recreation | MARCH 2 0 2 4 | PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G
mental conservation, wildlife protection
and sustainable practices.
Sustainable Practices
in Action
Park and recreation departments
have embraced sustainable practices
in various ways:
* Adoption of sustainable practices:
Reducing environmental impact
through carbon footprint reduction
and waste minimization
* Efficient resource management:
Conserving water, energy and
materials by implementing watersaving
landscaping and using renewable
energy sources
* Preservation of biodiversity:
Protecting indigenous ecosystems
in parks to promote biodiversity
* Community involvement: Encouraging
community participation
in park planning and management
*
Stewardship of natural resources:
Establishing and managing protected
areas for wildlife and outdoor
activities
* Environmental education: Initiating
programs to promote environmental
sustainability
conservation
and
*
Promotion of sustainable transportation:
Encouraging eco-friendly
transportation methods for work
fleet/maintenance vehicles
* Waste reduction and recycling initiatives:
Implementing programs
to minimize ecological impact
* Integration of green infrastructure:
Including elements
like
http://tinyurl.com/25pe78nx http://tinyurl.com/43fkjhuw http://tinyurl.com/43fkjhuw http://tinyurl.com/58vk77ek http://tinyurl.com/mvanzbeb http://tinyurl.com/2k99rvpx
March 2024 - Parks and Recreation

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