The City of Milford offers a wide range of greenspace areas designed to allow residents to get outside and enjoy nature. Greenspace ranges from parks to playing fields to the Riverwalk and Goat Island.
“Greenspace offers significant environmental benefits,” Brad Dennehy, Director of Parks and Recreation, said. “Greenspaces help filter pollutants and improve air quality while also providing habitats for local wildlife, promoting biodiversity and stormwater management. Because greenspaces absorb rainwater, runoff and flooding is reduced.”
In addition to the benefits to the environment, greenspace promotes health and well-being as access to parks encourages physical activities like walking, jogging and sports.
“Nature exposure is linked to reduced stress, anxiety and depression,” Dennehy said. “Greenspaces also serve as areas for people to gather, fostering community ties and socialization. Some of the examples in Milford include the Riverwalk Farmer’s Market, events in Bicentennial and Memorial Park as well as various 5k runs held on Goat Island as well as through the parks.”
One benefit that is often unrecognized is the economic impact greenspace brings to the town. Proximity to parks has shown an increase in property values and well-maintained greenspace attracts visitors which benefits local businesses. Job opportunities are another impact of greenspace.
“The city employees a mixture of full-, part-time and season workers to maintain greenspaces,” Dennehy said. “Of course, there is also the aesthetic and recreational value as parks and open areas enhance the visual appeal of a community while also providing areas for picnics, sports and outdoor events which enrich community life.”
Climate resilience is another benefit to greenspace as they help lower temperatures in urban area, contributing to climate resilience. Trees and plants absorb carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate climate change.
“The city is investing in greenspace in order to help residents lead a healthier, more vibrant community,” Dennehy said. “This will also improve quality of life for residents. Some of our greenspace areas will remain unimproved, like Goat Island that, with the exception of a boardwalk and walking trail, left in their natural habitat.”
Many improvements to greenspace are made based on resident surveys. Over the past few years, residents have requested more parks and recreation options in the town which the city incorporates into future capital improvement plans.
