After spending several weeks at home, I longed to be outdoors and remembered attending this 2019 flower event. It was my first time going to Shrewsbury, home to the beautiful Quarry Park, one of the oldest picnic areas in England established in the 16th Century. As a business owner, I keep thinking about how much money the festival made in just two days and the amount of exposure and goodwill that such events bring to the community.
Finding similar activities here in Lamesa is rare. I am an introvert with only two outdoor hobbies: gardening and playing golf. And yet I enjoyed my time there at Shrewsbury watching the marching bands and fireworks display. With thousands of attendees, I wondered about what are the benefits of cultivating public space?
It Promotes Wellbeing
Recreational parks all over the country differ in function. Vast areas are suitable for camping, while smaller greens have built-in playgrounds. Public places such as forests and lakes are nature’s way of healing the community. When we want to improve our physical, emotional, and mental health, experts recommend going outside to appreciate life.
It Builds Harmony
A collective experience shared by our families stems from the neighborhood parks designed for camping and fishing. Keeping them well-maintained and decorated might transform the way we interact with our parks, just as I’ve appreciated the flower festival more because of its beauty and grandeur.
It Creates Jobs
Organizing festivals require many human resources, especially in constructing booths, decorating stages, preparing food supplies, and even rehearsing talents. The economic impact of investing in community projects can be seen almost instantly through profits and livelihood.
It Strengthens Culture
People determine culture in a city, community, or company. When we develop relationships with other people, it adds vitality and inspires us to act for others’ sake. The social impact of engaging with other people improves our quality of life, making us a lively and safe neighborhood to live.
Getting into the business of improving public space is not an easy task. Usually, this is our local government and city council’s job, but the benefits for sponsors and civil society serve as invitations for us to participate. But for now, I’ll go back to my memories of Shrewsbury as I tend to my flower garden.