In this issue we not only highlight the Schools and Parks Soccer Field of the Year, but we also delve into one of the fastest growing parks and recreation trends— dog parks. The article, provided by ASBA, examines dog park construction considerations, and provides tips for dog park maintenance.

Speaking of dogs and parks, the TurfMutt Foundation( https: / www. turfmutt. com /) recently commissioned research by The Harris Poll regarding public parks. The research revealed that 89 percent of Americans consider a good public park system a top community amenity. According to the research, 96 percent of Americans utilize public green spaces, like public parks, for recreation. And 89 percent feel communities should prioritize providing these spaces for community health and wellbeing.

Additional poll findings include:

92 percent of Americans want more or better-maintained public green space, such as public parks, school yards, dog parks, sports fields, etc., in their community.

75 percent would prioritize public green space when looking for a new home.

67 percent would be willing to pay more to live in a community with public green space over one without it.

74 percent find public green spaces more valuable than other community amenities, such as an

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indoor pool, indoor fitness center or indoor recreation center.

Top public green space types that Americans want to see more of / better maintained in their communities include parks( 56 percent), running / walking trails( 55 percent), and picnicking facilities( 43 percent).

As we highlight the importance of parks and those who maintain them, this is also a good time to remind you that July will be Park and Recreation Month. In fact, this July represents the 40th anniversary of Park and Recreation Month.

Launched in 1985, Park and Recreation Month celebrates park and recreation professionals and how they improve the lives of tens of millions of people. According to the National Recreation and Park Association( NRPA), park and recreation programs are essential to community health and well-being and help cultivate lifelong friendships, memories and family bonds.

This year’ s Park and Recreation Month theme,“ Build Together, Play Together,“ is a reminder of the contributions of more than 160,000 fulltime park and recreation professionals, along with hundreds of thousands of part-time and seasonal workers and volunteers, who maintain our country’ s parks.

For the NRPA Park and Recreation Month toolkit, visit https:/ www. nrpa. org / events / july / toolkit /

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