Arielle Scott’s Post

Cities that prioritize parks benefit from higher labor force participation, increased business formation, and enhanced property values. Learn more in this article from Fast Company, which dives into findings from a study HR&A conducted with the Trust for Public Land. Our analysis found a strong correlation between park investments and economic growth. For instance, Boise, Idaho, saw a 60% increase in new businesses after boosting park investments.      “It’s important to note that the study talks about correlation, and not causation, said Managing Partner Connie Chung. “But still, cities that view parks as part of an economic development strategy can create a virtuous cycle, where creating quality of life amenities attract businesses, workers, and residents.”       Read the full report: https://lnkd.in/eqwx57nF       #ParksandOpenSpace #ParksAndRecreation #NYCClimateWeek #SustainableDevelopment #FastCompany #FortWorth #Boise #Atlanta #Boston #Minneapolis #Plano 

Because of the commitment of the Trexler Trust, Allentown, PA., prioritized investment in the parks system in the city - the article summarizes the findings of a study by HR&A and the Trust for Public Land.

Great article about the work Fort Worth and Plano are doing to increase green space - and the economic value of green spaces

Fort Worth, Texas, is one of the fastest-growing cities in one of the fastest-growing regions of the country. But Mayor Mattie Parker says continuing that growth isn’t just about attracting new businesses and building places for their employees to work and live. It’s about preserving green space for the future. In October 2023, Parker announced the Good Natured Program, with a goal of setting aside 10,000 acres in the next five years and creating a nonprofit land consultancy. A recent analysis by the Trust for Public Land highlighted how investing in and creating additional parks, trails, and green space have become more crucial for economic development. In a city that stretches over 350 square miles and has still only developed half of its land, Mayor Parker says it’s important to make sure that parks, green space, and tree canopy are strategically and thoughtfully included and prioritized in the other half. Read more about the importance of including parks and green spaces in new development: https://ow.ly/6amT50TJlhj #FortWorthEDP #FortWorth #ItBeginsFW #GreenSpace

“I think we can reframe our thinking about parks as not solely recreation, but as critical economic, social, and environmental infrastructure." Honored to be featured in this Fast Company article about the role of parks in fast-growing places like Fort Worth. Imagine if every city was able to double-down on parks! This Patrick Sisson article also highlights the findings from a great study by the Trust for Public Land in conjunction with HR&A Advisors that demonstrates the correaltion between parks and economic vitality. Check out the full story. https://lnkd.in/eaAi5XzB

🏙️ A Step Forward for Boston: The Peebles Corporation Leads the Charge in Urban Renewal At Legacy Real Estate Development, we celebrate the innovative efforts to transform urban landscapes. We’re excited to see Peebles Corporation at the forefront of a remarkable air rights project in Boston that’s set to mend the divides caused by decades-old infrastructure. Peebles Corporation’s project on the Massachusetts Turnpike is a testament to the power of visionary development. By creating a 10-story affordable apartment tower and a 12-story office building, they’re not just adding to Boston’s skyline – they’re reconnecting communities and revitalizing areas long impacted by urban renewal. This development goes beyond brick and mortar. It’s about restoring the human scale to our cities, creating walkable streetscapes, public plazas, and green spaces that bring people together. 🌳 We look forward to seeing this project come to life and contribute to a more inclusive, connected, and vibrant Boston. Kudos to Peebles Corporation for leading the way in reshaping our urban future! 🔗 Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/en2kA8hb #UrbanRenewal #PeeblesCorporation #BostonDevelopment #CommunityRevitalization #AirRights #AffordableHousing #SustainableGrowth #LegacyRealEstate

Austin Parks Ranked No. 3 in Texas in the annual 2024 ParkScore Index by Trust for Public Land. Did you know?: -69% of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park -Austin's investment in parks stands at $198 per capita, well above the national average of $124. -11% of our land is dedicated to parks and recreation This recognition underscores why Austin is such an attractive place to live, work, and play. Enhancing our quality of life through accessible and well-funded green spaces helps make our city a vibrant hub for businesses and families alike. Learn more: https://hubs.la/Q02Gtx6N0

Investment in green spaces like parks and open spaces can lead to profound benefits in quality of life while also becoming important drivers of economic growth.

This is a great article from WSP (https://loom.ly/iOp7OrI) on urban revitalization. We would agree with the points in general and would add the following: We believe in housing and agree with the desire to increase urban housing, particularly with office conversions where possible. However urban centers demand strategies that create lasting ties between residents and their communities. In the context of U.S. cities, home ownership stands out as a critical piece of the revitalization puzzle. Ownership, as opposed to rentals, fosters a deeper sense of investment and permanence. This ties individuals and families to the community’s future, creating lasting stability. Policies that encourage home ownership, alongside affordable housing initiatives, can create a more resilient downtown core. Public-private partnerships have also played a transformative role in revitalization efforts, particularly in cities like Detroit. The city’s resurgence from economic hardship is largely due to initiatives like the Detroit Neighborhoods Fund. This $100 million fund, developed in partnership with public agencies, private investors and community organizations, has focused on revitalizing neighborhoods through mixed-use developments and affordable housing. These projects not only provide essential housing but also spur job creation and promote the local economy by attracting businesses and residents back to the city. The success of these partnerships highlights how combining public resources with private investment can amplify the impact of revitalization efforts, particularly in resource-constrained secondary cities. At the same time, branding plays a pivotal role in establishing a city’s identity and attracting both residents and visitors. Bentonville, Arkansas provides a compelling case study. Once primarily known as Walmart's HQ, Bentonville has successfully reinvented itself as a mecca for cycling enthusiasts by creating a vast network of mountain biking and hiking trails. Through the development of over 140 miles of trails, Bentonville has established itself as a world-class biking destination. This branding effort is not just about attracting tourism but about fostering a strong community identity tied to the outdoors, which has significantly boosted local economic development. #economy #architecture #urbanplanning

# Looking Toward the Future: Firefly Park Development in Frisco 🏞️ The Firefly Park development in Frisco has been a beacon of potential for nearly a decade, and we are finally seeing this vision turn into reality. The recent approvals of site plans and the commencement of construction mark significant milestones in this endeavor. One key takeaway from this project is the importance of adaptability in urban planning. The developers had to make convincing changes to their original plans to get the necessary nod from elected officials, highlighting the following: - **Community Engagement**: Understanding and incorporating the community’s concerns and wishes have played a substantial role in the approval process. This shows that a collaborative approach can lead to constructive outcomes. - **Sustainability**: The alterations also signify a shift toward more sustainable and eco-friendly development practices, which are becoming essential in today's construction projects. - **Economic Impact**: The development is expected to act as a catalyst for Frisco's local economy, drawing in businesses, residents, and tourists alike. Local businesses may see a surge in patronage, and new job opportunities are likely to emerge. Looking ahead, it’s intriguing to predict the transformative impact Firefly Park will have: 1. **Boost to Real Estate**: The desirability of living and working near a project of this scale could potentially increase property values in surrounding areas. 2. **Innovation Hub**: By creating a space designed with the future in mind, Frisco could become a hub for innovation, attracting start-ups and technology firms. 3. **Tourism**: Featuring diverse attractions, Firefly Park is poised to be a major draw for both national and international tourists. Frisco has always been a city of growth, but this development could push it to new heights. Firefly Park represents more than just urban expansion; it embodies a forward-thinking approach to city planning that could serve as a model for future developments statewide and even nationwide. How do you foresee the evolution of Frisco with the completion of Firefly Park? What else could be done to ensure this development stretches its positive impact as far as possible? #UrbanDevelopment #FriscoGrowth #SustainableDevelopment #EconomicImpact #FutureCities #FireflyPark