My two year old loves to visit the Bartlett playground. When we arrive he shouts for help to get out of his stroller so he can run to the jungle gym and go down the slides. Unfortunately, not all of Pittsburgh’s 165 city parks are in as good condition as Schenley Park where the Bartlett playground is located. Many are run down, and the Park’s conservancy estimates that there is a $400 million dollar maintenance backlog.
This November 5, Pittsburgh voters will have a chance to address this problem. On the ballot is a property tax increase of $50 for every $100,000 of assessed value to fund the park system. Pittsburgh should vote yes on this initiative.
Parks are a great investment, and are well worth paying a few extra dollars a month in taxes:
- Having great parks improves the quality of life for our residents. Parks are great spaces to relax, exercise, and enjoy the beauty of nature.
- Parks are important spaces for children to play and experience the outdoors. Childhood play is crucial for the healthy development of children.
- There is evidence that parks are good for our mental health.
- There is evidence that well maintained green spaces in cities reduces crime.
- Urban parks are good for the environment. As discussed in this paper, urban parks improve air quality by removing pollutants, and reduce noise and urban heat island effects.
Pittsburgh already has better parks than many other cities, but I want Pittsburgh to have the best city parks in the country. Let’s make that happen!
