Modular Buildings for Parks and Recreation

Fresh air and physical activity are some of the best ways to keep your mind and body healthy. In fact, taking a walk in nature has been proven to help relieve stress, lose weight, and even improve immunity. Today people can visit parks, trails, and open spaces thanks to the Parks and Recreation Department, which plays an essential service to communities. In this blog we will focus on all levels of park recreation in the country- including federal, state, and local agencies.

What Does the Parks and Rec Department Do?

In a nutshell, the Parks and Recreation department provides people with the means to enjoy their public outdoor spaces. Whether that is a park, nature preserve, hiking trail, campground, or playground, it falls under the parks & rec department. They also help to host special events, sports programs, educational programs, and more for the public.

The main goal for Parks and Rec is to both preserve nature, as well as help people to enjoy it. According to the National Recreation and Park Association, parks have three services that make them essential to their communities:

1. Economic Value

• Parks increase the desirability and property value of homes. It is proven that the proximity to parks increases property tax revenue, increases home value, and improves local economies.
• It is estimated that trees in cities save $400 billion in storm water retention facility costs.
• Parks and rec programs generate revenue directly from their fees and charges. This economic activity from tourism and recreational activities helps the program to sustain themselves without seeking funding or tax dollars.

2. Health and Environmental Benefits

   • Parks offer a place for people to go to get healthy and stay fit. Their programs contribute to the health of children, adults, and seniors, alike.
   • Places like parks which promote physical activity can improve individual and community health, resulting in a 25% increase of residents who exercise a minimum of three times a week.
   • Time spent in parks have shown significant reductions in stress and have helped to lower blood pressure.
   • Parks and protected public land are proven to improve water quality, protect groundwater, prevent flooding, improve air quality, and improve wildlife habitats.

3. Social Importance

• Parks reflect the quality of life within a community. In fact, parks and rec services are often cited as one of the most important factors in how livable communities are.
• Access to parks and recreational activities have been linked to reductions in both crime and juvenile delinquency.
• Research shows that community involvement in neighborhood parks is associated with lower levels of crime and vandalism.
• Parks and rec programs provide a place of well-being for people of all ages and abilities, which is essential for the health and wellness of a community.
• Parks add value to communities that transcend the amount of dollars invested. Meaning, that the public views parks as a priceless commodity to their neighborhood.

For more information on the value and benefits, visit to www.nrpa.org

“A public park is any area or portion of areas dedicated or designated by any federal, state, or local agency primarily for public recreational use” (CRPA).

There are three levels of public park services, including federal agencies, state agencies, and local agencies. Within these levels of government lie national parks, state parks, and local parks. At the local level, parks are typically free of charge and open to the community. They may host local sports events or fundraisers, and provide children and families with places for picnics, games, and other outdoor activities.

Parks at a state level are typically much larger, and often require a fee to enter. Activities at a state park may range from hiking, biking, fishing, and everything in between. There are often lakes with water activities, or campgrounds where travelers can stay the night.

National parks are historically preserved, and often vital to the scientific research of wildlife. Most of the landscape is left in its natural state, and the land, plants, and wildlife are protected. National parks are popular to tourists and offers both the education and enjoyment of land to its visitors.

1. Ticket Booths

When entering a park, you will often have to check in your vehicle, or pay an admittance fee. Ticket booths are where the staff greet visitors and will sometimes hand out maps or informational brochures about the park.

4. Medical Buildings

Medical buildings are incredibly important, especially in large, national parks where the nearest hospital may be hours away. These medical buildings will be prepared for first-aid emergencies, and in some cases may have anecdotes for venomous snake bites. Many times, visitors are susceptible to dangerous falls, or getting lost in the wilderness. Medical buildings are integral to ensuring the safety of visitors at state and national parks.

Both temporary and permanent modular construction can substantially reduce costs for customers. Here are some reasons why modular building construction can benefit the parks and recreation department in particular:

1. Because modular buildings can be leased or purchased, this offers flexibility for parks departments who may need to manage their cash flow. With options like leasing, financing, and purchasing- there is a solution for every need.
2. Modular construction is a green building practice, so parks can feel confident in knowing they are making beneficial choices for the environment. That is because the buildings are built in a controlled manufacturing facility, and little waste is leftover. Not only that- but modular buildings can be reused and repurposed throughout their lifetime.
3. Modular buildings are transported by trucks and can travel long distances. This is ideal for parks who have remote locations. Modular buildings can be delivered to the site and assembled in little time, compared to traditional construction which can take many months and requires more on-site labor.
4. Since most construction occurs during summer months, this could affect the popular tourist season for recreational areas. Thankfully with modular construction, there is little-to-no disturbance to the operations of the park.
5. Since it is important for parks to protect their land, modular construction can be the most appropriate choice. There is very little disturbance to the land, and there are multiple foundation options to your modular building, with little excavation required.

For many decades, modular construction has been a reliable resource for parks and recreation departments. If you need a modular building for your park or recreational facility, contact us today or request a quote for your next building project!