Parks and Public Gathering Spaces Matter To The City of Cape Canaveral

Parks and Public Gathering Spaces Matter to the City of Cape Canaveral

article provided by: City of Cape Canaveral

Did you know the City of Cape Canaveral has nine parks? The Vision Statement and 2018 Community Survey have been the guiding documents shaping The Space Between ® into a bikeable/walkable amenity filled paradise – whether it’s sunsets on the lagoon, kickball with friends or a quick game of Bocce! Last month the City opened its first off-leash dog spot within Xeriscape Park called “Rover’s Space”. In addition, staff is in the process of building two “pocket parks” along North Atlantic Avenue, clearing invasive species away for an Estuary Park Project on Long Point Road and is in the process of designing the Multi-Generational Facility and C.A.P.E. Center. Parks provide a great benefit to our community – for both residents and visitors.

In addition to the many environmental benefits a park can provide, including land restoration and habitat preservation, decreasing air pollution, and water filtration (save the Indian River Lagoon related stormwater projects), parks create an economic benefit for government, businesses and residents. Creating well planned parks and preserving sufficient land for them can generate financial returns that are often many times greater than the money initially invested into the project, even when maintenance costs are factored in. They bring people into nature, make outdoor recreation more accessible, and provide safe and attractive places for individuals and families to exercise and play.

“The average American now spends 90 percent of their life indoors. Some 40 percent of adults no longer engage in any leisure physical activity at all. Some 90 percent of healthcare costs go to treating the 132 million Americans who suffer from treatable chronic diseases such as diabetes, depression, anxiety and high blood pressure. There are now 78 million obese adults and 12 million obese kids. Furthermore, the trends seem to only be heading in the wrong direction.” Source: The Dirt - A Solution to the Health Crisis: Prescribed Time in Neighborhood Parks.

City leadership is focused on providing the community with high-quality local parks that open the door for all generations to play, grow and explore. For more information on city parks, renting facilities and related park rules, please visit: www.cityofcapecanaveral.org/parks.

Long Point Road Estuary Park conceptual rendering

N. Atlantic Avenue Galactic Park conceptual rendering