Summary: “Being near a park or playground – anywhere up to half a mile away – will generally boost home prices, often by as much as 8% to 20%. That’s because families with children and/or pets see immediate recreational value as well as scenic enjoyment in being near a green area."
• Note: Willow Park Civics is about Willow Park but is NOT associated with or managed by the City of Willow Park.
• Credit for title photo: City of Willow Park
Parks and trails contribute up to 20% increase in the value of private and commercial property.
The City of Willow Park has spent significantly on the City's parks and trails over the last few years. [1] However, that money should be consider an investment rather than an expense.
Although, "the No. 1 thing potential home buyers want to know is what school district they’re in... being near a park or playground – anywhere up to half a mile away – will generally boost home prices, often by as much as 8% to 20%... That’s because families with children and/or pets see immediate recreational value as well as scenic enjoyment in being near a green area." [2, 3]
"Quality parks deliver value to both residential and commercial properties, including land parcels and high-rise, mid-rise and single-story buildings... Even properties that are located more than 1,000 feet from a park can receive a positive valuation impact of 5 to 10 percent... Just having a great view of a park can contribute significantly to the overall property value. [3]
According to the National Recreation and Park Association, getting outside in green spaces "benefits mental health. Being outdoors lets your mind rest, reduces stress and anxiety, and improves cognitive function, including memory and focus.” [2]
Willow Park Civics Sources and Resources
[1] Willow Park Parks and Trails Index, Willow Park Civics Blog
[2] What do Parks and Trails Have to do with Housing and Neighborhoods? Maybe Everything, Candy's Dirt, posted 02 January 2025 Excerpts
Officials with The Loop Dallas are poised to start construction this month on a $10 million project that will connect the Design District with West Dallas, boosting the value of surrounding neighborhoods.
Real estate agents often tell CandysDirt.com that the No. 1 thing potential home buyers want to know is what school district they’re in. Other questions vary, such as when the house was built and whether it has a swimming pool.
Toward the top of the list of factors that increase a home’s property value is access to green space, according to a June 2024 article on Anywhere Integrated Services titled “Do Parks and Playgrounds Affect Home Value?”
“In fact, according to recent studies, being near a park or playground – anywhere up to half a mile away – will generally boost home prices, often by as much as 8 to 20%,” the article states. “That’s because families with children and/or pets see immediate recreational value as well as scenic enjoyment in being near a green area. According to the National Recreation and Park Association, getting outside in green spaces benefits mental health. Being outdoors lets your mind rest, reduces stress and anxiety, and improves cognitive function, including memory and focus.”
Officials with The Loop Dallas are poised to start construction this month on a $10 million project that will connect the Design District with West Dallas, boosting the value of surrounding neighborhoods.
As the Katy Trail is set to attract 3 million users this year, this new connection will offer direct access to shops, restaurants, businesses, and residences in one of Dallas’ most dynamic areas,” The Loop Dallas officials said in a press release. “The Loop Plaza is a key piece in the ongoing revitalization of North Victory Avenue and a vital part of Dallas’ growing infrastructure.”
Who’s Paying for The Loop Plaza?
The Dallas Morning News championed The Loop Plaza in a September 2023 editorial, saying the $10 million project would not pose a “direct cost to taxpayers.”
Through its public relations firm Allyn Media, The Loop Dallas has said the project is funded through a partnership with the City of Dallas and private donors.
The Loop Dallas is a city-wide bike and pedestrian 50-mile active transportation system that joins 39 miles of existing trails in Dallas with 11 miles of newly built trails.
“It will improve residents’ quality of life through access to green space, literally connecting north, south, east, and west Dallas with a shared trail,” The Loop officials said.
[2] Parks can boost property values by 20 percent, Texas A&M Texas State Real Estate Research Center, 15 December 2015
The city's recent emphasis on park development is creating real estate value beyond the obvious lifestyle benefits. Parks and trails systems deliver significant value to properties near the public green spaces
"Properties located adjacent to one of Houston’s premier parks typically receive more than a 20 percent positive impact in value because of their proximity to these outstanding public spaces," says Matthew Deal, principal of Deal Sikes & Associates. "Quality parks deliver value to both residential and commercial properties, including land parcels and high-rise, mid-rise and single-story buildings.
"Even properties that are located more than 1,000 feet from a park can receive a positive valuation impact of 5 to 10 percent," Deal says.
Just having a great view of a park can contribute significantly to the overall property value, says Mark Sikes, another principal with the realty valuation firm.
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