The value of urban parkland

By scanning the real estate pages for homes in Drouin, it doesn’t take much to realize that nearby parkland is a significant selling point:

“…just a short stroll from Drouin's vibrant town centre and beautiful Civic Park.”

“…close to schools, parks, and town amenities.”

“…only moments from Bellbird Park.”

 The Property Council of Australia found that a 2013 study “showed a 5-7 per cent increase in home value for properties immediately adjacent to parks in Melbourne.” Research by Infrastructure Victoria found that “Parks are more likely to have a positive effect on house prices in regional Victoria than in Melbourne.”

Alex Goudie Park Drouin

Of course, elevated house prices are not the only, or even the principal benefit of urban parkland. Urban green spaces are not just viewed as an ‘amenity’ these days. Parks, reserves, roadside corridors, etc. are now seen as essential components for healthy, happy, and habitable urban living.

Urban parklands and green spaces help to mitigate the urban heat island effect providing relief for our increasingly hot summers.

Brooker Park Warragul

An inviting park provides space for recreational and social activities. Shared leisure places help to promote social cohesion, a sense of place, and inclusion, leading to the building of a stronger, healthier community.

The value of urban biodiversity provided by parks, wetlands and reserves has become critical for the survival of much of our native flora and fauna.

Green infrastructure in urban situations can provide better air quality by filtering atmospheric pollutants. Trees and other vegetation help to absorb stormwater runoff. Some urban parks will often have cultural or historical significance as well.

Golden Whistler Reserve Drouin

Joseph Paxton, an English gardener, architect, and engineer is credited as having designed and built the first public park, Birkenhead Park in Liverpool, opened in April, 1847. This began the public parks movement which spread around the world. Today we appreciate the benefits of public parks, reserves, and open spaces, and, as our cities and towns grow, our need for urban parkland is becoming increasingly important for the promotion of happier and healthier communities.

Let’s get it right!