BENEFITS OF GREEN SPACE

Ample research with numerous examples reveals that Open Space Preservation delivers a variety of important benefits for communities and local governments. In fact, Lafayette's community leaders have already spoken forcefully in favor of local Open Space Preservation. For example, the Lafayette In a New Century (LINC) Comprehensive Plan calls for increased local open space/ greenspace/ park land in approximately 20 percent of the Steering Committee recommendations (37 instances) in addressing the Comprehensive Plan Elements of Land Use, Housing and Neighborhoods, Economic Development, Urban Design, Conservation and Environment, Recreation and Open Space, Transportation and Drainage and Stormwater. The following is a quote from LINC's website:

"Over the next century the population of Lafayette will expand and become more prosperous and urban. Therefore the demand for parks and recreational activities will increase substantially. . . . The Committee strongly supports diversity in the kind of park facilities available to residents. Parks should not be just for ball fields, but for passive recreation as well. There should be clearly defined green spaces for passive recreation, such as hiking, public art, picnics, et cetera." (LINC Recreation and Open Space Element: Steering Committee Recommendation #5 Commentary)

Furthermore, Open Space Preservation is a core element in Smart Growth planning principles, an idea that has recently rooted itself firmly in our Lafayette community. Fortunately, the leaders and citizens of Lafayette now have the opportunity to realize important LINC Comprehensive Plan recommendations and to set a grand precedent for Lafayette's Smart Growth planning future with the purchase of the UL Horse Farm as public Open Space. Purchasing and preserving the unimproved Horse Farm now, at a reasonable price, presents the BEST opportunity cost for this city to plan for a future of managed growth.

Research Supporting Open Space Preservation

Below, we highlight what research reveals, and what Lafayette leaders have already acknowledged, are the many benefits to be gained by communities and local governments when they preserve Open Spaces, and what Lafayette will gain from preserving the Horse Farm.

Economic
Improved Quality of Life, the New Economic Growth Engine
Inner City Revitalization
Increased Tourism
Decreased Infrastructure Costs
Increased Real Estate Values
Increased Bond Ratings

Social, Health, Environmental
Crime Prevention and Reduced Juvenile Delinquency
Improved Individual and Social Health
Safeguarded Drinking Water and other Water Resources
Flood Protection
Greater Temperature Regulation, and Increased Air Quality
Increased Wildlife Habitat

(Sources: "The Economic Benefits of Parks and Open Space" by Lerner and Poole; "The Benefits of Parks" by Sherer; "The Health Benefits of Parks" by Gies)