celery pond

Concluding the excerpts from Ashley Bell’s article in the Summer 2006 edition of Michigan Parks and Recreation Magazine:

“Trees and other vegetation also bring much needed relief from the blazing heat and humidity of the summer season. When the summer days go from sunny to scorching, tree shade becomes highly coveted by those working and playing outdoors. But, trees do more than provide temporary cover from the sun. According to the Trust for Public Land, “trees act as natural air conditioners to help keep cities cooler, mitigating the effects of concrete and glass that can turn cities into ovens under the summer sun. The evaporation from a single large tree can produce the cooling effect of ten room-size airconditioners operating 24 hours a day (footnoted).

“The impact that parks have on protecting against environmental degradation and improving ecological systems is not only measured by health statistics and dollars saved on pollution systems. The view of clear skies, the taste of clean water, the feel and smell of fresh, crisp air are in themselves more than enough reasons to protect and develop parks and other natural areas.

“The measures that we take, or do not take, to preserve and enhance our natural environment are a testament to our societal values. How can a civilized nation justify defiling its own air and water? How we choose to develop and maintain our physical environment is a reflection of who we are. Supporting parks and other public green space shows pride for our community, a respect for all life forms, and an awareness of our relationship to-and dependence on-the natural world.

“Many Americans have shown that they are willing to financially invest in their local parks. Research conducted by the Trust for Public Land revealed that, “In the November 2002 elections, voters in 93 communities in 22 states approved ballot measures that committed $2.9 billion to acquire and restore land for parks and open space. Voters approved 85% of such referendums in these elections. Voter support in 2002 increased from the already strong 75% approval rate for similar measures in November 2001 (footnoted).

“In an interview with the National Recreation and Park Association, former Pittsurgh Mayor Tom Murphy, stressed the essential role parks assume in our cities, “In order to retain the best and brightest, you have to offer residents a very high quality of life. Ensuring that we have beautiful, accessible and open parks and miles of riverfront and park trails is a key component to guaranteeing a high quality of life.” (footnoted) Along with their physical beauty and recreational activities, the environmental protection that parks provide contributes to the community’s overall quality of life.”

**end of article**